bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical characteristics of groundnut and sheanut shell biochars as adsorbents and soil conditioners in the era of ecological sustainability
Authors: Duwiejuah Abudu Ballu , Abubakari Abdul-Halim , Quainoo Albert Kojo , Amadu Yakubu
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the influence of pyrolysis temperatures on characteristics of groundnut and sheanut shell biochars as potential adsorbents and soil conditioners. Groundnut and sheanut shell biochars were produced at pyrolysis temperatures of 350 ± 5 °C and 700 ± 5 °C using muffle furnace. The chemical characteristics of the biochars were analysed, potential contamination and ecological risk were determined based on the metal enrichment index and potential ecological risk index (PERI). pH values of the biochars ranged from 9.42 to 10.23 and 662.33 to 3206.67 μS/cm for electrical conductivity. The total compositions of carbon and nitrogen for GB350, GB700, SB350 and SB700 ranged from 58.13% to 70.23% and 0.45% to 1.37%, respectively. The minerals composition of GB350, GB700, SB350 and SB700 ranged from 12944.92 to 20873.30 mg/kg for potassium, 192.24 to 410.72 mg/kg for sodium, 3567.98 to 13451.83 mg/kg for calcium and 1150.33 to 3414.34 mg/kg for magnesium. The pH of the biochars is found to be alkaline which upsurge with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Concentrations of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus diverse in groundnut shells feedstocks due to the pyrolysis conditions. The groundnut and sheanut shell biochars can increase essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in soil, which are conducive to growth of plant. The availability of phosphorus in the biochars make it phosphorus-rich and can be used as slow-release fertilisers. The potential toxic metals in the groundnut and sheanut shell biochars have values that suggested low contamination and less potential ecological risk making the biochars ecofriendly. Groundnut and sheanut shell biochars can be used in fields as an adsorbent and a soil amendment based on its chemical characteristics.
The media and neo-colonisation: examining the relevance of African thought and philosophy in the discourse of decolonisation
Authors: Aketema Joseph , Ladzekpo Joseph Yao Edem Homadji
Published: March 2022

The media and all that it represents have often had insidious content. People have often used the media to promote their own agenda be it in the area of marketing, finance, governance, entertainment and sports. In Africa, foreign media outlets have dwelled so much on Africa. On most  occasions, the media content is fraught with damaging content, which only reinforces earlier existing imagery of Africa as backward continent  needing forms of confrontation and actions. This is actually a form of neo-colonisation. In this discussion, we look at the media, an agent of neo-  colonisation and how an appreciation of African thought or philosophy can enable a better understanding of the media. The discussion is grounded  on cultural norm theory, personal observations of the media landscape in Africa and a brief content analysis of Kwaw Ansah’s Heritage Africa  (1989). The discussions conclude that serious regulation of the media is one of the surest ways of reducing the ills in its content and recommends  that avenues to promote indigenous knowledge forms through the media be strongly supported to boost African centered media content.
Media strategy and the impact of COVID-19 public awareness in Ekiti State: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bakare Rasaki Ojo , Isijola Tayo , Bakare Lilian Eguriase
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of the Covid-19 pandemic, which allegedly stemmed from Wuhan, China, had imposed far-reaching consequences on human  existence across the globe. After Nigeria recorded its first case in February 2020, the death toll rose with increased number of confirmed cases.  Notably, as experts strove to understand, track, and contain the pandemic, the media kept pushing the frontiers of public awareness faster than the  spread. However, the proliferation of disinformation had continued to contend with global responses to the pandemic. It stimulated undesired  public behaviours, such as non adherence and public protest, as witnessed in most parts of Nigeria. This research is an empirical study that  examines the media strategy responsible for the different behaviours observed in Ekiti state, where the public acceptance of Covid-19 guidelines  seemed to have resulted in the considerable containment of the sickness’ spread in the state. The study employs both the qualitative and  quantitative research methods, and hinged on Elizabeth Noelle-Neumann’s model (1973) of Powerful effect theory and the “Source credibility  theory” of Carl Hovland and Walter Weiss (1951). The researchers observed that in spite of the independent mindedness that characterizes Ekiti  people, which challenges most public mobilization endeavours, the populace demonstrated high degree of adherence and compliance to Covid-19  awareness mobilization. In the interest of communal well-being, they volunteered information on violator to the authorities. We discovered that  individuals with reckonable public credibility were used as sources of information for the awareness message of Covid-19. Apart from source  credibility strategy, geo-coding, which exploited the ethical cultural tenets of the Ekiti world-view was another effective media strategy employed.  The researchers hereby recommend the findings of this study as viable and effective media strategies for public enlightenment in the event of  future public health crisis in Nigeria.
Forced migration and women as dispossessed gender: An appraisal of Soji Cole’s Embers
Authors: Epochi-Olise Ruth Etuwe
Published: March 2022

Forced migration is generally inimical to mankind but particularly hazardous to women. However, these hazardous acts which make women vulnerable are hardly considered as substantial enough to warrant an outcry against the migration phenomenon. Women face major challenges  resulting from forced migrations, which expose them to violence, rape and other anti-social behaviours imposed on them by the circumstances. All these tend to have significant impacts on their social, economic, cultural and environmental development. This paper, therefore, uses Cole’s Embers to critically interrogate the issues of forced migration as a gendered problem. This work shall expose the claims that the problem of forced  migration is an offshoot of the opportunistic post-colonial Nigerian rulers who have assisted to change the narratives of the family structure and  peaceful order of society to a chaotic world. The paper focuses on the IDP Camps that are highly fuelled by corruption and the challenges for  womanhood.
Rethinking Business Information as Veritable Catalyst for Organizational Competitive Advantage
Authors: Otuza Evans Chima
Published: March 2022

This study examined business information and the critical role it plays in achieving organizational competitive advantage. The increase in stiff competition among businesses in this era, industrial espionage among other contending factors necessitated the need to critically and creatively ‘think’ and ‘rethink’ business procedures particularly in intelligence, information and knowledge gathering, processing, use and evaluation. This study also brought to the fore the hidden drivers within business information architecture of business intelligence and information consulting with clear identification of areas of attention and implementation to achieve competitive advantage. In highly commoditized and competitive organizations, it will take much effort to determine what separates one organization from its competition. Hence, managers or leaders must establish a strategy that will help them gain in-depth knowledge from customers and those within the organization. Exploratory approach was adopted, where conceptual investigation of literature and secondary data gave credence to the position of this work. Hence, it was concluded that competitive advantage can be achieved when organizations generate greater value for themselves, customers and shareholders due to certain strengths or conditions they have mastered; and take advantage of, or capitalize on the weaknesses and perceived threats of competitors by deploying adequate competitive intelligent strategies to their advantage.
Academic Library and Challenges of Service Delivery in Nigerian Universities in the Digital Era
Authors: Sahabi Muhammad Kabir , Otobo Elvis Efe
Published: March 2022

This paper describes Academic library and challenges of service delivery in Nigeria Universities in the Digital Era. It highlights the development of libraries in the digital era as a magical solution to meet the information needs of library users in the digital society, showing great sensitivity in the use of new technologies. It also explores new trends in providing information that librarians can use to re-establish the academic library to provide effective services. Lack of efficiency, technological inefficiency and inadequate energy supplies were highlighted as some of the challenges of providing information services in digital society. Librarians should strive to acquire ICT skills through personal training to be relevant and defend their profession. The study recognized academic library in the digital society as learning center, and also their major arms is to provide information services in support of teaching learning and research activities of the university in a digital society.
Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of the Postgraduate Students at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja
Authors: Asogwa Chinako , Daniel Titilayo M.
Published: March 2022

The study investigated the information needs, and the information seeking behaviour of NILDS postgraduate students, the sources consulted, barriers, as well as ways to improve their information seeking experiences. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. The target population was all the postgraduate students of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. The study opted the use of questionnaires and data was analysed using frequency tables and percentage. The major findings of the study are: the postgraduate students’ information needs are various but the highest information need is for academic purposes. The students use sources such as textbooks, journals, Internet, and rely heavily on human resources for information. The studies also found that the students encounter a lot of challenges in meeting their information need but ranking highest is the lack of space in the library and not understanding the library’s shelf arrangement/classification scheme. On the strategies to enhance their information seeking experience, the students said there is the need to increase the copies of important books, need for library orientation for fresh students, and increase borrowers’ privileges among others.
Influence of weed control methods on the yield and yield components of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) varieties in Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Alhassan J. , Ukwetang A.I.
Published: March 2022

Field trial was carried out during the 2017 wet season (July to October) at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to determine the effect of weed control methods on the yield and yield components of three (3) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) varieties sourced from Sokoto Agricultural Development Project (SADP). Treatments consisted of factorial combination of four (4) weed control methods [Control (no weeding), Chemical weeding (Pendimethalin), Chemical + Hoe and Hoe weeding] and three (3) cowpea varieties [Dan Gidan Yunfa (Local), IT-288 and IT-277-2)]. Treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Data were collected on pod yield, grain yield, and haulm yield, total dry weight shelling percentage, 100-grain weight and weed dry weight. Dan Gidan Yunfa recorded higher pod and grain yield than the other varieties. Weed control had significant effect on weed dry matter, the control plot where no weeding was done throughout recorded the highest (103.50 kg ha-1, 114.32 kg ha-1, 139.45 kg ha-1) weed dry matter at 4, 8 and 12 WAS, respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that Dan Gidan Yunfa performed better than other varieties in the study area. The pod and grain yield of the crop in the weeding treatments were not different from the control (no weeding).
Linear and non-linear regression analysis for the sorption kinetics of Rhodamine dye from aqueous solution using Chitosan-Jackfruit nanocomposite
Authors: John Britto S. , Amutha E. , Pushpalaksmi E. , Jenson Samraj J. , Rajaduraipandian S. , Gandhimathi S. , Annadurai G.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents experimental results such as the adsorbate-adsorbent chemical properties and chemical interaction as well as adsorption conditions. The experimental results were fitted to batch kinetic studies to obtain the characteristic parameters of each model. According to the evaluation using the Kinetic equation, the maximum sorption capacity at dye concentration was 19.6 (mg g-1), pH 11.6 (mg g-1) and temperature 24.2 (mg g-1) Rhodamine dye were investigated. For all of the systems studied, the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order model provided the best correlation of the kinetic experimental data. The results revealed that with increasing temperature and decreasing pH, ionic strength, and adsorbate concentration, dye removal efficiency has increased. Chitosan-Jackfruit nanocomposite could remove 90.2% dye from the solution containing 40 mg/L dye at 100 min. The results indicated that dye removal followed pseudo-second-order kinetic (R2>0.99). According to the findings, Chitosan-Jackfruit nanocomposites an effective adsorbent for direct dye removal from wastewater.
Perception of the environmental impact of chemical fertilizer application by vegetable farmers along River Ngadda of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Musa A. , Zanna F.M. , Wakil N.A. , Gujja A.A.
Published: March 2022

There is an increasing global concern on the current agricultural practices that are not sustainable owing to adverse impact of chemical fertilizer application on environment. This study identifies types of fertilizer applied, examined farmers knowledge on fertilizer application and assessed farmers perception of the impact of fertilizer on environment along river Ngadda in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were generated through field observation and anonymous structured interview questionnaire were used, while the secondary data was obtained from relevant literature. Through purposeful sample, 120 farmers were selected for the study. Findings revealed that farmers applied NPK fertilizer were 31.9%, Urea fertilizer 27.1%, Phosphorus 19.4% and those applied combined Urea and NPK were 21.5%. The study revealed farmers knowledge on fertilizer application, 50.8% have no formal training, 28.3% trained by extension workers and 20.8% were trained by World Food Program. Findings also revealed that 6.0% of the respondents perceived fertilizer pollute air, contribute to climate change were 2.7%, contaminate soil 25.7% while 3.8% perceived fertilizer build-up heavy metals in soil. Those perceived pollute groundwater were 12.0% and causes eutrophication 21.9%. The study concluded that chemical fertilizer increases plant growth and vigor, hence meets the food security of the world, but its continuous use degrades the soil and environmental pollutions. We recommended that opting organic farming and biofertilizers will create a healthy natural environment for the present as well as future generation.
Provenance and tectonic setting of Leuma Field sediments, Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Igbinigie N.S. , Ogbamikhumi A.
Published: March 2022

Geochemical analysis of sediments recovered from NS-1 well and NS-2 well, Leuma Field, Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin was done to establish tectonic setting and provenance. Data for ten major elements and forty-three trace elements were obtained from two boreholes. The geochemical signals display systematic  stratigraphic trends in the two wells that depict one source terrain. To determine the provenance of NS-1 well and NS-2 well sediments, Th/Co vs La/Sc plot was utilized which inferred that the sediments from NS-1 and NS-2 wells were derived from felsic source rocks. TiO2 versus Ni bivariate plot was also used to establish the provenance and it revealed that the source of the sediments penetrated by NS-1 and NS-2 wells is predominantly acidic in nature. The provenance of NS-1 and NS-2 wells sediments was further confirmed by considering the ratios of Thorium/Scandium (Th/Sc), Thorium/Cobalt (Th/Co), Chromium/Thorium (Cr/Th) and Lanthanum/Scandium (La/Sc). For NS-1 well, Thorium/Scandium (Th/Sc) range from 1.12-2.01, Thorium/Cobalt (Th/Co) range from 0.91-1.66, Chromium/Thorium (Cr/Th) range from 4.21-16.04 and Lanthanum/Scandium (La/Sc) range from 3.69-8.78. For NS-2 well, Thorium/Scandium (Th/Sc) range from 0.95-2.05, Thorium/Cobalt (Thko/Co) range from 0.94-1.91, Chromium/Thorium (Th/Cr) range from 4.32-15.43 and Lanthanum/Scandium (La/Sc) range from 2.58-6.66. These values inferred that the sediments recovered from NS-1 and NS-2 wells were transported from felsic source rocks.Inorganic geochemical results infer that the tectonic setting for NS-1 and NS-2 wells facies is passive continental margin.
Effect of climate variability on livestock population in the Sokoto Rima River Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Adejuwon J.O. , Akintunde O.A. , Layi-Adigun B.O.
Published: March 2022

The study examines the effect of climate variability on livestock population in the Sokoto Rima River Basin, Nigeria. The cluster sampling technique was used to administer the questionnaire to 450 farmers who were sampled from 15 agricultural settlements in fifteen local governments in the basin. Data were analysed using frequency, percentages, and multiple regression. The population of cattle and sheep decreased while that of goats increased during the period of study. However, the slaughtered cattle, sheep, and goats increased tremendously. The annual rainfall and temperature had no significant influence on cattle, sheep, and goat population in Sokoto-Rima River Basin, except at Sokoto where temperature significantly influenced goats positively at p<0.05. The coefficient of determination revealed that annual temperature explained 72% of the variation in the goats' population at Sokoto while 28 % of goats' population variation was explained by non-climatic elements including forage quality, management practices, ill-health, epidemic disease, and so on.
Women’s perception of quality and utilization of antenatal care and delivery services in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Owigho O , Isara AR
Published: March 2022

Background: The perception of quality of antenatal care and delivery services is one of the several factors that influence utilization of these services. This study assessed the perception of quality and utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and delivery services among women of childbearing age in Oshimili South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study among 301 women aged 15-49 years selected by multistage random sampling technique using mixed methods of data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 while thematic analysis was done for the qualitative data.Results: The mean age of the women was 32.0 ± 2.5 years. Most were married 287 (95.3%), had secondary education 211 (70.1%)) and self-employed 227 (75.4%). One hundred and forty-eight (49.2%) had good perception of technical competence of staff, 132 (43.9%) their safety consciousness and 134 (44.5%) effectiveness/efficiency of drugs. However, 136 (43.5%) had poor perception of waiting time, 118 (39.2%) health workers respectfulness and 116 (38.5%) compassion for patients. Two hundred and seventy-three (90.7%) and 251(83.4%) utilized ANC and delivery services, respectively, while 22 (7.3%) delivered at home.Conclusion: The women’s perception of quality of ANC and delivery services varied across domains. There was a high level of utilization of antenatal care and delivery services. However, there were few traditional birth attendant (TBA) and home deliveries. Addressing the issues of long waiting time and attitude of health workers will encourage full scale utilization of health facilities and discourage TBA and home deliveries

Keywords: Antenatal care; Delivery services; Perception; Quality of care; Utilization; Nigeria
One-year prevalence of domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Adam VY , Erhus E
Published: March 2022

Background:Violence against women is a major public health challenge particularly in the developing countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, varied rising incidence of domestic violence against women were reported. This study determined the one-year prevalence of domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Southern Nigeria.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multistage sampling technique was utilized in recruiting 616 female respondents from an urban community in Benin City, Nigeria. Structured intervieweradministered questionnaire was the tool for data collection. The questionnaire was adapted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey and the 2006 World Health Organization multi-country survey tool. Data analysis was done using IBM-SPSS version 25.Results: More than a third of the women 221 (35.9%) had been victims of domestic violence in the last one year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The types of domestic violence experienced by the women included: psychological 120 (54.3%), physical 68 (30.8%), sexual 38 (17.2%) and economic 36 (16.3%). Husbands 52 (76.5%) and boyfriends 39 (57.4%) of the victims were the most frequent perpetrators of physical violence.Conclusion: The study revealed a high one-year prevalence of violence against women in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological and physical violence were most prevalent and were perpetrated mainly by intimate partners of the women. The social media can be utilized routinely to educate the masses about violence against women. Also, men should be engaged in the prevention of domestic violence programmes through education workshops.

Keywords: Prevalence; Perpetrators; Violence against women; Domestic violence; COVID-19 pandemic; Southern Nigeria
Hypolimnas aubergeri Hecq, 1987 (Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae) a little-known West African butterfly
Authors: Sáfián Sz. , Takano H.
Published: March 2022

New distribution records of the Guinea Highlands endemic Nymphalid Hypolimnas aubergeri are presented, supplemented by behavioural observations of adults and information on its habitats and potential conservation issues.
A new species of Leptomyrina Butler, 1898 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from Mts Mecula, Namuli, Inago, Nallume and Mabu in Northern Mozambique
Authors: Bayliss Julian , Brattström Oskar , Bampton Ivan , Collins Steve
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a new species of Leptomyrina from five mountains in northern Mozambique – Mts Mecula, Namuli, Inago, Nallume and Mabu. Specimens were collected over the course of several years between 2007 and 2019 through a series of biodiversity surveys of the mountains of northern Mozambique. This species differs from others in the group based on the rounded and tail-less shape of the hindwing, and the dusting of powder blue scales on the upper side of the males. The genitalia also show significant differences to others in the group. It is found towards the summits of these mountains at elevations generally over 1000m and feeds on Crassulaceae.
Note : Specialized wing scales in the male of the South African moth Leto venus (Cramer, 1780) (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)
Authors: Grehan John R. , Ralston Colin D. , Van Noort Simon
Published: March 2022

The presence of erects rows of elongate rod-like scales on the ventral wing surface and hindwing dorsal surface of Leto venus is illustrated and described. The scales lack basal swellings that are indicative of pheromone secretion. The scales may be involved with pheromone dissemination, function in some other manner, or have no discernible function at all in the sense of an environmental interaction that directly affects survival. The form and arrangement of these scales in L. venus is compared with the specialized elongate wing scales of Puermytrans chiliensis  (Chile) and Phassodes vitiensis (Fiji).
New taxa of skipper butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from tropical Africa
Authors: Sáfián Szabolcs , Belcastro Claudio , Boireau Patrick , Collins Steve C.
Published: March 2022

Three new species, Apallaga klaudiae sp. n., Gorgyra ziama sp. n., Andronymus teresae sp. n. and a new subspecies, Eagris tetrastigma lomana ssp. n., of skipper butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from the tropical forest zone of Africa are described in comparison with their presumed closest relatives.
First records of African clearwing moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) nectaring on the invasive Shrubby False Buttonweed — Spermacoce verticillata L. (Rubiaceae) in Guinea and Liberia, West Africa
Authors: Sáfián Szabolcs
Published: March 2022

No Abstract
The status of Protea caffra subsp. caffra and Harmonia axyridis in the habitat of the Critically Endangered Pennington’s Protea butterfly Capys penningtoni
Authors: Kheswa Nozipho , Mbatha Sethabile , Armstrong Adrian J. , Louw Sharon L.
Published: March 2022

Aerial photography provides historic record of features at the time the photograph was captured, and can assist with exploring changes in the habitat of threatened species. The host-plant of the Critically Endangered, endemic Pennington’s Protea butterfly Capys penningtoni, the Common Sugarbush Protea caffra Meisn. subsp. caffra, is a resprouter after fire which eventually dies if burnt too frequently. Six sites (Marwaqa Nature Reserve, Impendle Nature Reserve, Clairmont Mountain Nature Reserve, Lotheni Nature Reserve, Lot 93 1821 near Mkhomazi River [Nxamalala Traditional Council] and Mt Le Sueur) where the butterfly species had been previously recorded were selected to estimate the number of adult P. caffra subsp. caffra trees present using aerial photographs (2009). Protea trees in the vicinity of the C. penningtoni butterfly collection sites were point-digitised off aerial photographs. Polygons were digitised around coverages of protea trees using a distance of 50 m between trees to determine the outer margin of each coverage. The imagery data were ground-truthed by verifying the location and identities of P. caffra subsp. caffra trees at each site, using a sample of the total number of digitised trees. The ground-truthing enabled the separation of P. caffra subsp. caffra trees from Silver Protea Protea roupelliae trees, and the separation of P. caffra subsp. caffra trees with overlapping canopies. Contemporary presence of P. caffra subsp. caffra trees in relation to presence in 2009 was determined. Fire frequency data for each site was obtained via landsatlook viewer (USGS). We found that the protea savanna at most of the sampled sites was burnt about once every year between July and September. This project indicated the potential utility of aerial photographs and aerial imagery for the purposes of assessing the status of P. caffra subsp. caffra and H. axyridis in the habitat of the Critically Endangered and endemic C. penningtoni and for directing the placement of sampling plots in the field.
Licoflavanone exerts anticancer effects on human nasopharyngeal cancer cells via caspase activation, suppression of cell migration and invasion, and inhibition of m-TOR/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Liu Jun , Song Chengyi , Liang Zhuoping , Long Xiang , Guo Min , Xu Jianle
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To study the anticancer effect of licoflavanone against human nasopharyngeal HKI carcinoma, and the mechanism involved.

Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the effect of licoflavanone on cell viability, while DAPI staining and western blotting were used to study its proapoptotic effect. Morphological examination was performed under phase contrast microscopy. Transwell chamber assays were used to study cell migration and invasion. The expression levels of mTOR/PI3K/AKT signal pathway-related proteins were assayed by Western blotting.

Results: Licoflavanone markedly suppressed the proliferation of nasopharyngeal HK1 cancer cells in a concentration-reliant pattern (p < 0.01). The anticancer effects of licoflavanone were mediated via induction of pro-apoptotic effects and blocking of mTOR/PI3K/AKT signal pathway. Licoflavanone enhanced the activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3, as well as Bax and Bad. Moreover, licoflavanone blocked the migration and invasion of HK1 nasopharyngeal cancer cells.

Conclusion: Licoflavanone exerts potent anticancer effects on human nasopharyngeal cancer cells via caspase activation, inhibition of cell migration and cell invasion, and down-regulation of m-TOR/PI3K/AKT signal pathway. Therefore, licoflavanone may be a useful lead drug for the development of a treatment strategy for nasopharyngeal cancer.
Effect of WWOX on epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer cells in vivo, and its association with Elf5/Snail-1 signal pathway
Authors: Song Chunhuan , Yan Yuchen , Liu Yongli , Fang Lisha , Li Qiang , Xu Yang , Yan Hongchao
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate how WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ovarian cancer (OC) cells, and the implication of Elf5/Snail-1 pathway in the process.

Methods: This study employed female BALB/c nude mice aged 6 weeks. The expression levels of E-cadherin, β-Catenin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail1 and Elf5 were assayed using qRT-PCR. The protein levels of WW1, WW2, E-cad, β-Cat, N-cad, vimentin, Snail-1 and Elf5 were determined using western blotting (WB). Invasion changes in cells in each group were analyzed by Transwell invasion test while WWOX and Elf5 were evaluated by GST pull-down test; furthermore, WWOX and ELF5 were evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation (COIP).

Results: Relative to control group, tumor volume and weight of WWOX high-expression mice were significantly decreased, while those of WWOX low-expression group were increased (p < 0.05). The levels of E-cad, Elf5 and β-catenin increased, but those of N-cad, Snail-1 and vimentin decreased in WWOX high expression group. In the WWOX low-expression group, the levels of E-cad, Elf5 and β-cat were down-regulated, while those of N-cad, Snail-1 and vimentin were up-regulated (p < 0.05). The expression of E-cad, Elf5 and β-cat declined; on the other hand, those of N-Cad, Snail-1 and vimentin were elevated after mutation of WW1 domain in WWOX gene (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the in vivo results, the role of WWOX/Elf5/Snail1 signal route in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer, and its related mechanisms have been clarified. This provides a new target for gene therapy of ovarian cancer.
Novel effects of piperlogumine on uterine fibroid tumor: An in vitro mouse model study
Authors: Zhang Mei , Ye Mei , Hou Qingxiang , Yan Bin , Yang Chao , Yang Yi , Ma Li
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the in vivo anti-tumor effect of piperlongumine (PL) in a mouse model of leiomyoma xenograft and in leiomyoma cell lines.

Methods: The anti-proliferative effect of PL on ELT-3 cells was determined using MTT assay. Human and rat leiomyoma cells were used for the in vitro investigations. Rat leiomyoma cell lines were treated with various PL concentrations (50 - 100 μM)) for 48 h. Immunodeficient mice were subcutaneously injected with varying doses of estrogen or progesterone, and xenografted with explanting human leiomyoma cells in in vivo experiments. Proliferation assessment, caspase-3 expression, analysis of tumour samples, insertion of pellets of oestrogen-progesterone, tissue treatment and implantation, and immuno-histochemical analyses were carried out using appropriate procedures.

Results: Piperlongumine (PL) produced significant and dose-dependent increase in caspase-3 activity, apoptosis and suppression of cellular proliferation (p < 0.01). Moreover, Western blot data demonstrated that PL decreased phosphorylation of Akt signaling pathway. The results showed significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of tumor growth, including in ultra-sound in vivo studies, when compared with 30-day control and animals treated with PL (100 μg/g). Immuno-histochemical studies showed that PL decreased the expression of proliferation marker in xenografted tumor tissues (p < 0.02).

Conclusion: These results suggest that piperlongumine has potentials as a therapeutic agent for the management of uterine leiomyoma. However, additional studies using human cell lines are required to understand its genetic and molecular mechanisms.
Evaluation of pesticide residues in vegetables from Mekong, Delta, Vietnam using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Van Thi , Nguyen Kim-Ngan Huynh , Duong Tuyet-Ngan , Tran Van De , Kim Kyeong Ho , Pham Lien To Thi
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To assess the levels of pesticide residues in commonly used vegetables in Vietnam as a reference for future monitoring.

Methods: A total of 180 samples of six different fresh vegetables including watercress, mustard green, choy sum, daikon, okra, and yam were analyzed from Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Ten popular pesticides were evaluated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after extraction with a multi-residue method (QuEChERS method).

Results: The results were assessed according to the maximum residue limit (MRL) provided by Codex for each pesticide in each commodity. Pesticide residues above the MRL were detected in 107 samples (59 %) and 63 samples (47 %) contained residues below the MRL. Multiple residues were present in 38.3% of the samples with two to five pesticides, and 0.6 % of samples were contaminated with more than five pesticide residues. Of the pesticides investigated, eight pesticides were detected, of which abamectin, alpha-cypermethrin, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos- ethyl, chlorantraniliprole, fenobucarb, fipronil, and trichlorfon exceeded their MRLs. Pesticide residues were detected above MRLs in samples of watercress (14 samples), mustard green (24 samples), choy sum (25 samples), daikon (26 samples), and yam (18 samples). Chlorpyrifos-ethyl, and fipronil were detected in most of the vegetable samples (100% and 89.44%, respectively).

Conclusion: The results indicate the occurrence of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables in Vietnam. The need for the regular monitoring of pesticide residues and the sensitization of farmers to better pesticide safety practices, especially the need to adhere to recommended pre-harvest intervals is recommended.
Effect of a combination of infrared irradiation and magnesium sulfate wet compress on infection and healing of episiotomy incision in puerperae
Authors: Li Shangfang , Gao Hua , Zhang Zhonggang , Mi Zhenhui
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a combination of infrared irradiation and magnesium sulfate wet compress on infection and healing of episiotomy incision in puerperae during spontaneous delivery.

Methods: A total of 120 puerperae who underwent lateral episiotomy in Jinan Maternity and Child Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2019 to January 2020 were used as study subjects. They were randomly assigned to group A (n = 60) and group B (n = 60). Group B received external application of anerdian, while group A was treated with infrared irradiation and magnesium sulfate wet compress, in addition to receiving the treatment given to group B. The two groups were compared with respect to perineal edema, levels of inflammatory factors, wound pain grading, degree of incision healing, incision healing time, and incidence of infection.

Results: Group A patients had significantly lighter perineal edema and more pronounced pain relief than group B patients (p < 0.05). The number of puerperae with grade A healing and grade C healing in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (p < 0.05). Incision healing time and incidence of infection were lower in group A than in group B (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of infrared irradiation and magnesium sulfate wet compress effectively mitigates perineal edema in puerperae, reduces pain, enhances the healing of incision, and lowers maternal infection. Thus, this combination strategy may have some merit in clinical practice.
Comparison of effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with daily insulin injection in a Chinese population of Type I diabetic patients
Authors: Yi Qianqian , Wu Zhiyu , Dong Junhua , Zhang Ningning , Li Qiuyue , Gao Na
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To compare the clinical effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy with that of multiple-dose insulin therapy in type 1 diabetic patients.

Methods: A total of 1000 type 1 diabetic patients were assigned to two groups, with 500 patients per group. Patients in group I were treated with continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin (CSII), while those in group II received multiple daily doses of insulin injection. Body mass index (BMI), insulin dose, HbA1c levels, and frequencies of hypoglycemia and diabetic-ketoacidosis (DKA) were determined in each patient at baseline, and at 4-week intervals for 4 years.

Results: The HbA1c levels at baseline and at the end of 4th year in group I were 8.9 ± 1.1 and 8.2 ± 1.5 %, respectively, relative to corresponding values of 8.6 ± 1.2 and 9.1 ± 1.1 %, respectively in group II. The results revealed significant difference in HbA1c between the two groups (p < 0.05). After 4 years of therapy, insulin requirement was markedly higher in group II than at baseline (0.8 ± 0.1 vs 0.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.05) IU/kg/day. However, insulin requirement in group I decreased after 4 years, relative to that at baseline (0.65 ± 0.2 vs 0.8 ± 0.1 IU/kg/day; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: CSII therapy seems to be an effective and safe gold standard method for managing type I diabetes mellitus patients.
MicroRNA-612 regulates the proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of human colon cancer cells via G protein-coupled receptor 132 (GPR132)
Authors: Shen Sha , Guo Qingqing , Zhan Shuiping
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of microRNA-612 (miR-612) on human colon cancer cells, and the mechanism involved.

Methods: Expressions of miR-612 and GPR132 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)el , while cell viability was evaluated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Dual luciferase assay was used to determine the interaction between miR-612 and GPR132, while cell migration and invasion were measured by Transwell assay.

Results: The expression levels of miR-612 in colon cancer tissues and cell lines were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-612 in colon cancer cells led to significant inhibition of their proliferation and colony formation. Transwell assays revealed that miR-612 overexpression markedly stopped the migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Conclusion: These results indicate that miR-612 exerts anti-cancer effect by suppressing the expression of GPR132 at the translational level. The in vitro tumor suppressive activity of miR-612 against colon cancer reveals its potential for the management of colon cancer.
Blocking NLRP3 inflammasome expression by RAS-like protein A mitigates neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury rat models
Authors: Qiu Jin , Xie Mian
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the role of RAS-like protein A (RalA) in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory regulation in primary microglia of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rat models.

Methods: In vitro, overexpression (OE) of RalA was performed in rat microglia using transfection procedure, and then LPS was used to provoke the inflammatory phenotype. In vivo, the rat model of neuropathic pain was induced using CCI and treated with LV-RalA. Neuroinflammatory levels including the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected. Moreover, the expressions of NF-κB p65, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)were examined in CCI rats and microglial cells. Finally, the functional evaluation was determined via mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia assays.

Results: The level of RalA decreased in the dorsal horn following CCI. OE of RalA in microglia after LPS insult and CCI-induced rat model significantly decreased the expressions of inflammation promoters (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, OE of RalA mitigated inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thus attenuating neuropathic pain in microglial cells and CCI rats.

Conclusion: These results indicate that the OE of RalA plays a protective role in CCI-induced neuropathic pain via NF-κB/TXNIP/ NLRP3 axis. These findings may provide a promising therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
Effect of Dachaihu decoction on traditional Chinese medicine-related indices of Type 2 diabetes in rats, and elucidation of its mechanism of action
Authors: Zhang Qiuju , Wang Zhufeng , Xu Hongliang , Qin Li , An Ran , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To study the influence of Dachaihu decoction on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related indices of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rats, and the likely mechanism involved.

Methods: Forty-five healthy male SD rats were randomly selected and used to establish T2DM rat model. The rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control, model and Dachaihu decoction groups (n = 15). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc), free fatty acids (FFAs), total cholesterol (TC) and oxidative stress were measured. Pathological changes in rats in each group were monitored, and mRNA levels of PDX-1 and MaFA in pancreatic tissue were measured.

Results: The levels of FBG, HbAlc, FFA, TC, MDA and ROS in the Dachaihu decoction group were significantly decreased, while SOD, PDX-1 mRNA and MafA mRNA were markedly raised, relative to control (p < 0.05). In the Dachaihu decoction group, the rats had pink paws; their noses and tongues were glossy and moist, and there was more physical activity, relative to model rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These results indicate that Dachaihu decoction is effective against T2DM in rats. The mechanisms of action may be by inhibition of oxidative stress, improvement of the function of islet beta cells, and mitigation of symptoms of fatigue and dehydration. Therefore, Dachaihu decoction may be useful for adjuvant treatment of TCM-T2DM but clinical studies are required to ascertain this.
Phytochemical characterization and anti-cancer properties of extract of Ephedra foeminea (Ephedraceae) aerial parts
Authors: Al-saraireh Yousef M. , Youssef Ahmed M.M. , Alshammari Fatemah O.F.O. , Al-Sarayreh Sameeh A. , Al-Shuneigat Jehad M. , Alrawashdeh Hamzeh M. , Mahgoub Samir S.
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the phytochemical profile of methanol extract of Ephedra foeminea and assess its anti-carcer effect on a large set of normal and cancerous cell lines.

Methods: Extraction of air-dried powder of aerial parts of E. foeminea was carried out with methanol. The bioactive compounds in the extract were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The anti-cancer effect of the extract was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against various types of normal and cancer cell lines. Serial concentrations of plant extract were used, ranging from 7.812 to1000 μg/mL. Doxorubicin (DOX) served as standard drug. The half-maximal concentration (IC50) values of the extract and DOX for each cell line were determined, and the selectivity index (SI) was computed.

Results: Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract contained several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols and fatty acids. The hazardous ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine) were absent in the plant extract. The extract showed significant anti-proliferative activity against cancer cell lines, when compared with the positive control, doxorubicin (p < 0.05). Selective and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity was exhibited in cancer cell lines of breast (MCF-7), lung (A549), colon (Caco-2), liver (HepG-2) and prostate (PC-3). Weak selectivity was produced in other cancer cell lines, i.e., human epithelioma (Hep-2) and cervical carcinoma (Hela). Interestingly, non-cancerous cells showed no or weak cytotoxicity.

Conclusion: Ephedra foeminea exerts potential selectivity in anti-proliferative effect against some cancer cell lines. Thus, it is a promising drug source for the production of new and selective anti-cancer medicines.
Xuebijing injection alleviates liver injury in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting inflammatory response after transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Zhong Chen , Cheng Feng
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To study the influence of Xuebijing (XBJ) injection on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.

Methods: Thirty-nine HCC patients were retrospectively analyzed. They were assigned to 3 groups: negative group which received no XBJ injection, low-dose XBJ group given XBJ injection (50 ml), and high-dose XBJ group given 100 mL of XBJ injection. Peripheral blood was separately collected andanalyzed on the first day after admission and TACE.

Results: TACE led to liver damage in HCC patients, with increased serum activities of ALT and AST, and total bilirubin (tBLB). Moreover, TACE elevated white blood cells, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and expression levels of inflammation cytokines. In the groups treated with XBJ injection,there were dose-dependent mitigation of liver dysfunction, and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines, when compared with the negative group. However, XBJ injection did not affect myelosuppression or regulatory T cells.

Conclusion: XBJ dose-dependently decreases liver injury in HCC patients after TACE by suppressing inflammatory response. Thus, XBJ may exert hepatoprotective effect on HCC after TACE in humans in clinical practice.