bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioremediation Potential of Selected Rhizosphere Fungi of Tridax Procumbens Linn. and Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob
Authors: Adongbede E.M. , Olomu A.A.
Published: August 2022

Co-metabolism between plants and rhizosphere microbes is the mainstay of rhizoremediation of contaminated soils. The aim of the current study was to isolate and screen selected rhizosphere micro-fungi of two Asteraceae (Tridax procumbens and Chromolaena odorata) collected from the wild in University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State for bioremediation potential. Rhizosphere fungi were isolated, identified and evaluated for crude oil myco-remediation. The inhibitory effect of different concentrations of crude oil on mycelial growth of the most abundant fungi was determined with poisoned plate assay method. The most abundant and recurring fungi around C. odorata and T. procumbens were determined using the serial dilution and plating methods. Analysis of the rhizosphere soil of T. procumbens and C. odorata showed they were sandy loam type. C. odorata soil had higher moisture, organic carbon, and acid content than T. procumbens. Aspergillus flavus and Trichoderma harzianum were the most abundant and recurring fungi in C. odorata and T. procumbens, respectively. Thirty-nine micro-fungi belonging to twenty genera were isolated from the test plants’ rhizosphere. A. flavus and T. harzianum tolerated 2.50 to 10.00% crude oil contamination assessed with their mycelial growth inhibition reducing with time. A. flavus and T. harzianum caused a 68.45% and 86.71% reduction of crude oil contamination respectively, in a time dependent manner. The filamentous fungi ~A. flavus and T. harzianum can potentially be used to simultaneously ameliorate crude oil contaminated soils in conjunction with C. odorata and T. procumbens, respectively in the innovative technology termed rhizoremediation.
Biochemical parameters of solid-state fermented cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) using Rhizopus oligosporus at different inoculum sizes
Authors: Anigboro A.A. , Egbune E.O. , Akeghware O. , Evie P. , Samofordu A. A. , Tonukari N.J.
Published: August 2022

In this study, the effect of different inoculum sizes of Rhizopus oligosporus on solid-state fermented (SSF) cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) was evaluated. The results of the study show that the samples fermented with R. oligosporus at different inoculum sizes (5-30%) had statistically higher activity of α-amylase, as well as higher levels of proteins and glucose, but significantly reduced pH and reducing sugar contents (p<0.05) compared to the control (0%) after 72 h of fermentation. The optimal levels of amylase activity, glucose and soluble proteins were observed in the samples fermented using inoculum sizes between 10 and 20%. The study revealed that solid-state fermentation of cocoyam enhanced its shelf life, nutritive value and bioavailability of nutrients. This suggests that it is not only an excellent component for human and animal feed production, but also a suitable substrate for industrial production of important biomolecules.
Evaluation of the sleep modulating effects of methanolic extracts of Strychnos spinosa and Strychnos innocua fruits in mice
Authors: Sani MA , Khan F , Sani D , Sulaiman MM , Nwasor EO , Hassan AZ
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the sleep modulating properties of Strychnos spinosa and Strychnos innocua fruits in Swiss albino mice. The depressant effect of the extracts on the central nervous system was studied using a diazepam-induced sleep model in mice. The mice were divided into four groups of six mice each. The test groups received Strychnos spinosa and Strychnos innocua fruits extracts at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. In contrast, the control group received distilled water at 10 ml/kg. Diazepam (Ranbaxy®, India) was used as a standard drug and administered 30 minutes after the initial treatment. The lethal doses (LD50) of the two extracts were estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. The results obtained from the onset of sleep of rats administered methanol extracts of Strychnos spinosa, and Strychnos innocua fruits showed that the extracts at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively, did not significantly (p >0.05) alter the onset of sleep when compared with the control. The onset of sleep in the groups treated with Strychnos spinosa fruit extracts indicated a dose-dependent decrease pattern. The study also revealed a prolonged duration of sleep in all the experimental groups treated with the two extracts compared to the control group. The treated groups of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg significantly (p <0.05) prolonged the duration of diazepam-induced sleep in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the control group. The group treated with 1000 mg/kg of Strychnos innocua fruit extract was significant (p <0.05) compared to the control group. In conclusion, the high LD50 observed in this study suggests that the two extracts are relatively safe and contain promising bioactive ingredients that cause sleep modulation in mice.
Effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish,Clarias gariepinus extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage
Authors: Bugau JS , Lanko SZ , Ogwu D , Rekwot PI , Shinkut M , Itodo JI
Published: August 2022

Cellgevity® is a supplement reported to comprise mostly D-Ribose and L-Cysteine enriched glutathione, known to be an effective antioxidant that improves spermatozoa quality. However, its effect on milt characteristics has not been reported. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage. Pooled milt sample from three fishes was divided into three groups (T1, T2 and T3). The milt was extended in sodium citrate, and each group in triplicate was supplemented with Cellgevity® at 0 mg (T1), 125 mg (T2) and 250 mg (T3). The spermatozoa motility, concentration, viability and morphology were evaluated on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of chilled storage. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. Mean ± SD spermatozoa motility was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T2 and T3 than T1 before and during the first 3-days storage period. Mean ± (SD) spermatozoa concentration was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in T2 and T3 than T1 before and throughout the 5-days storage period. Mean ± SD live spermatozoa were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T3 than T1 at day 2 of the storage. Mean ± SD total abnormal spermatozoa did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the groups before and throughout the 5-days storage period. It was concluded that although supplementation of Cellgevity® at 125 mg and 250 mg in milt of catfish, extended in sodium citrate in chilled storage maintained the sperm cells alive and motile up to four days of the storage. However, it did not improve the milt quality. Hence, it should not be supplemented in sodium citrate extended milt of catfish, Clarias gariepinus in chilled storage.
Impact of management systems on selenium and zinc levels, heterophil: Lymphocyte ratio as biomarkers of immunity in chickens
Authors: Adekunle LA , Idris SY , Sijuwola AE , Jubril AJ , Taiwo VO
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the impact of poultry management systems (intensive and extensive) on selenium and zinc concentrations and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio in chickens. Sixty chickens comprising 20 broilers, 20 local chickens and 20 layers obtained from poultry markets and houses around Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria were used in this study. Five millilitres of blood were collected through the brachial vein to analyse for selenium, zinc and complete blood count using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and standard haematological methods, respectively. There was a significantly (P<0.05) higher red blood cell, haemoglobin and pack cell volume values in local chickens raised in the extensive management system compared to broilers and layers raised in the intensive management system. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the white blood cell count between layers and local chickens. However, layers had higher white blood cell counts than local chickens. In contrast, local chickens had significantly (P<0.05) lower white blood cell count than broilers. The respective lymphocyte and heterophil counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher and lower in local chickens raised extensively compared to layers raised intensively. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in monocyte, eosinophil and basophil count in chickens raised from both management systems. Chickens raised in the extensive management system had a significantly (P<0.05) higher selenium concentration with a lower heterophil to lymphocyte ratio than those raised in the intensive management system but had a significantly (P<0.05) lower zinc concentration. Therefore, high selenium levels and low heterophil to lymphocyte ratio could contribute to the resistance of chickens to various stressors associated with an extensive management system as selenium is a known immunomodulator.
Clinical and radiographic evaluations of healing femoral fractures managed with conventional and novel allo-cadaveric bone plates in dogs
Authors: Aliyu BS , Hassan AZ , Ochube GE , Umar BN , Lawal M , Ibrahim AS
Published: August 2022

Femoral diaphyseal fractures are usually amenable to reduction with the use of orthodox fixation implants, which in most cases are expensive and cause intense stress to the patient, hence the need for safer, new biomaterials. This study assessed the use of allo-cadaveric bone plates (CBP-A) and conventional bone plates in managing femoral fractures in dogs. A total of four 8-12 kg Nigerian indigenous dogs were randomly divided into two groups, with each consisting of a male and female dog. Sterilized osteotome wire was employed to surgically create transverse mid-shaft femoral fractures in all the dogs. The fractures in Group I dogs were managed using Vitallium-alloy bone plates and served as control, while Group II fractures were reduced and fixed using CBP-A. Clinical and radiographic assessments for three months were carried out to compare the fracture healing between the groups. Results showed an early stabilization of vital parameters with a premature attempt to use the operated limb on days 4 and 5 post-reduction in groups I and II, respectively. The radiographs revealed good fracture reduction and fixation in all the dogs with the gradual disappearance of the fracture line, as well as progressive bone remodelling as the fracture healing advanced through the sixth week. At 12 weeks, there was distinct medullary and cortical continuity in all the dogs. Therefore, the novel CBP-A used in this study has effectively provided the needed fixation stability with minimal external immobilization for the repair of dog femoral fractures; hence, it should be recommended for use.
Haematology and serum biochemistry of dogs naturally infected with canine parvovirus-2
Authors: Ogbu KI , Chukwudi CI , Tion MT , Eze UU , Nwosuh IC , Anene BM
Published: August 2022

Canine parvovirus is a deadly virus affecting the Canid family, causing virus-induced destruction of rapidly dividing haemopoietic precursor cells such as crypts of intestinal epithelial cells, thymus, lymph nodes, bone marrow precursor cells, blood cells and cardiac cells leading to multi-organ dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to determine the haematological, serum biochemical and electrolytic changes associated with canine parvovirus (CPV) -2 infection. An immunochromatographic test was used to differentiate the virus-positive and negative dogs using faecal samples. One hundred and sixty whole blood and serum samples were collected from apparently healthy and CPV-2-positive dogs in Plateau State, Nigeria. Haematological, serum biochemical and electrolytic analyses were done using standard methods. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a student t-test. Significance was accepted at probability values of p < 0.05. The haematological effect of CPV-2 showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mean Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelet count. In addition, the CPV-2 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the mean aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, triglyceride and malondialdehyde, while the mean total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride and cholesterol significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the infected dogs. From the findings, CPV infection variably and significantly affected some haematological and serum biochemical parameters of infected dogs. Therefore, clinicians should endeavour to incorporate haematinics, haptatonics and immune-modulators during the management of canine parvoviral infection as supportive drugs with fluid therapy to improve the survivability of infected animals.
Bioaccumulation and depuration of zinc in the tissues of Heterobranchus longifilis exposed to zinc oxide nano-particles
Authors: Abdulkareem SI , Owolabi OD
Published: August 2022

Industries use zinc oxide nano-particles (ZnO-NPs) to produce most commercial and medicinal goods, but indiscriminate discharge of their effluents into the aquatic environment may accumulate in the tissues of the fish. The ability of these metal oxides to accumulate in the tissue of fish due to their nano size could lead to a reduction in the nutritional value of the fish. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the rate of zinc bioaccumulation in tissues of Heterobranchus longifilis. Juveniles of H. longifilis were exposed to sub-lethal  concentrations (0.0, 6.00, 8.00, 10.00, 12.00 mg/l) of ZnO-NPs for 60 d and depurated for 30 d. At the end of each experiment, fish were sacrificed and analyzed for bioaccumulation. The increasing order of concentration of zinc was as follow: bone< muscle < blood < skin < kidney < liver < GIT < gills having 0.068mg/g to 0.263 mg/g from muscle to gills. That was above the permissible limits (0.050 mg/g) in fish tissues, except in the bone with 0.054 mg/g, which was still within the acceptable limits. Gills accumulated the highest (0.263 mg/g) content of zinc, and bone had the lowest (0.054 mg/g). After the depuration period, the content of zinc in the tissues decreased in all the tissues but still remained above the maximum permissible limits in gills, GIT, kidney, liver and skin (0.175 mg/g, 0.162 mg/g, 0.066 mg/g, 0.071 mg/g and 0.073 mg/g respectively). However, the bone, blood and muscle were able to depurate the zinc content to values (0.031 mg/g, 0.034 mg/g, and 0.044 mg/g, respectively) below the acceptable limits of Zn in fish tissues. The results indicated that zinc from ZnO-NPs bioaccumulated in H. longifilis tissues, but the fish could depurate the metal naturally. However, the ability to depurate the bioaccumulated metal is time-dependent.
Changes in the adrenal gland and cortisol secretions in experimental acute Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in Sahel bucks
Authors: Nyillah EL , Ibrahim NDG , Mohammed B
Published: August 2022

The effects of experimental acute Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection on the function and structure of the adrenal gland of Sahel bucks were studied for forty days. Eight Sahel bucks aged between 8 and 15 months were used. They were divided into two groups of five (infected) and three (uninfected) bucks. Group I were inoculated with 1ml containing about 1×10⁶ trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Federe strain) via the jugular vein. Group II was uninfected control. Parasitaemia in the infected bucks appeared 3-4 days post-infection. The mean serum cortisol concentrations of the uninfected control and the infected groups at day 0 were 3.33 ± 0.44 μg/dl and 2.4 ± 0.29μg/dl, respectively. By day 4 post-infection, the mean serum cortisol concentration of the infected group increased to its peak value of 21.8 ± 6.25μg/dl compared to 3.0 ± 0.86 μg/dl of the uninfected control on the day all infected bucks became parasitaemic. Grossly, the adrenal glands of the infected group were enlarged. Histopathologically, there was adrenal cortical hypertrophy in the infected group. The results indicate that acute trypanosomosis due to experimental T. brucei brucei infection in Sahel buck caused hypertrophy of the adrenal gland and a significant increase in the circulatory cortisol concentration of the infected bucks at the onset of parasitaemia followed by a decrease to pre-infection cortisol concentration till the end of the 40 days duration of the experiment. Further study on the long-term effect of experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection on the adrenal gland of Sahel bucks is recommended.
In vitro anticoccidial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Citrus aurantium L. against Eimeria tenella oocysts
Authors: Ishaq AN , Sani D , Abdullhi SA , Jatau ID
Published: August 2022

This study was carried out to examine the anticoccidial effect of Citrus aurantium L ethanol leaf extract against the oocysts of Eimeria tenella isolated from broiler chickens. The fresh leaves of C. aurantium were collected from Emirate Garden, Katsina, authenticated, air-dried at room temperature, pulverised by milling and subjected to extraction. Sporulation inhibition bioassay was employed to examine the activity of C. aurantium ethanol extract on the sporulation of E. tenella oocysts. In this assay, deep well petri dishes containing 100 unsporulated oocysts were subjected to 2 ml of five different concentrations of the extract (2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/ml) in triplicates while oocysts sporulated in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution (K2Cr2O7) and phenol served as control groups. The content of the Petri dishes was stirred to ensure adequate oxygenation. The experimental set-up was incubated at room temperature and examined after 24 and 48 hours for sporulation inhibition. The sporulated and unsporulated oocysts were determined by counting using the Mcmaster apparatus. Phytochemical screening of C. aurantium revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids and tannins. The result showed that ethanolic leaf extract of C. aurantium to possess anticoccidial activity against unsporulated oocysts of E. tenella in a concentration-dependent manner. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the sporulation inhibition activity, with the highest (97 ± 0.8%) at 30 mg/ml and the lowest activity (8 ± 1.0%) at 2.5 mg/ml concentration of the extract after 48 hours of incubation. There was a general trend of sporulation inhibition with an increase in the concentration of the plant extract. The findings from this study showed ethanol leaf extract of C. aurantium possesses a remarkable In vitro anticoccidial effect that may be further scientifically explicated.
Morphological evaluation of the orbit and peri-ocular glands of the African grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: Peter-Ajuzie IK , Nwaogu IC
Published: August 2022

The morphological features of the orbit and peri-ocular glands of the herbivorous African grasscutter were evaluated in this study. Heads of the rats were processed using the cold-water maceration technique, while the peri-ocular glands were obtained and processed for light microscopy using the conventional paraffin technique. The orbit was laterally located and associated with an enlarged maxillary infraorbital foramen. This orbital configuration imparted the grasscutter with a panoramic field of vision and a hystricomorphous improved masticatory ability. The Zeis and meibomian glands were located in the eyelid and showed holocrine histological features with myoepithelial cells surrounding their secretory acini. The gland of Moll was a simple coiled tubular gland that, together with the gland of Zeis, were associated with the palpebral cilia. The large harderian gland situated posterior to the eyeball was a lobulated compound exocrine gland whose secretory cells contained basally-displaced nuclei and foamy cytoplasm. The protruding glandular mass located adjacent to the rostral half of the upper eyelid, which we named the suprapalpebral gland had similar histological features as the harderian gland. These peri-ocular glands produced mainly mucoid and lipid secretions required for maintenance of structural and functional integrity of the cornea and eyelid. The qualitative and quantitative data from this study will be useful in the understanding of the biology of the African grasscutter and in the identification of orbital and peri-ocular glandular pathology in this species.
Pycnogenol improves kinematic parameters of donkeys (Equus asinus) subjected to packing during the dry season
Authors: Olaifa FH , Ayo JO , Aluwong T , Ekwot PI
Published: August 2022

The administration of pycnogenol (PYC) prior to physical exertion had earlier shown to improve gait variables after work. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PYC on kinematic parameters of donkeys subjected to packing during the dry season. Ten male donkeys served as experimental subjects. Five donkeys were administered with PYC (10 mg/kg) in feed (test group) while another five donkeys were given feed only (control group) for one week pre-packing. Thermal environmental parameters of ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature humidity index (THI) were recorded. Kinematic parameters of speed (SP), stride length (SL), stride frequency (SF) and stride duration (SD) using videographic recordings 5 minutes post-packing with each animal walking at a self-selected speed were recorded. The THI values obtained pre- (95.4 ± 3.9) and during (85.3 ± 1.6) packing in the cold-dry season were significantly lower than the values of 148.8 ± 1.8 and 134.8 ± 1.1, respectively obtained during the hot-dry season. The speed recorded in test group (2.0 ± 0.3 m/s) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher when compared to the value (1.3 ± 0.2 m/s) obtained in control group during the hot-dry season while, during the cold-dry season, the test group recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) higher speed (1.3 ± 0.3 m/s) when compared with 1.0 ± 0.2 m/s recorded in control group.The increased speed recorded in the test group indicated that the group performed better as they were less fatigued when compared with the control group. Thus, PYC could be used as a potential agent in the management of fatigue in donkeys used for packing purposes in the region.
Carcass-waste yields and nutritional composition of strains of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) as index traits for selective breeding
Authors: Mikaheel UA , Ipinjolu JK , Argungu LA , Hassan WA , Magawata I , Abubakar MY
Published: August 2022

The role of carcass evaluation techniques in aquaculture genetics and breeding cannot be over-emphasized. Knowledge of growth potentials concerning carcass quality has improved genetic selection techniques and management. Therefore, this study was conducted on the carcass yields, by-yields, anatomical separation, and nutritional quality of Clarias gariepinus strains collected from river Rima and two other population groups from two different fish farms with records of a pure cultured strain of C. gariepinus and another farm with a pedigree of artificial crosses. The flesh weight (FW) of the river Rima (55.50±2.97) population strain was higher (p<0.05) than the two cultured population strains. Population strain C (47.79±1.17) recorded the lowest significant (p<0.05) flesh weight (FW). In comparison, B (49.12±2.68) population strain had an intermediately significant (p<0.05) flesh weight. The coefficients of variations (CV) were almost the same for all the three population groups except the gutted weight, where the river Rima (wild) population strains had the highest CV. This study recommended that attention be given to improving the cultured stock/strains in terms of resistance to diseases, heritability for improving healthy growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and general hardiness, harnessing the diverse wild strains. In addition, this study recommended further investigation, including the amino acid profile and organoleptic characteristics of the wild fish population groups from river Rima for additional knowledge to the interest of Fish Nutritionists.
Anti-oxidative influence of butylated hydroxytoluene on chilled semen of Red Sokoto bucks and consequential conception rates in does
Authors: Bello TK , Rekwot PI , Ayo JO , Khumran AM , Oyelowo BB
Published: August 2022

The anti-oxidative influence of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) in three extenders on chilled semen of red Sokoto bucks and conception rates in does was evaluated. Twenty matured red Sokoto bucks were selected for this study. Two ejaculates were collected from each buck per week for a period of 4 weeks. Semen was collected from bucks using a battery-operated electro-ejaculator for semen analyses. Volume, colour, gross motility, concentration and percentage live spermatozoa were examined. A total of 10 ejaculates were further collected weekly from 10 selected bucks from the previous twenty good semen quality for 8 weeks. Semen was extended in tris egg-yolk (TEY), citrate egg-yolk (CEY) and tris-coconut water (TCW) extenders in test tubes, containing BHT antioxidant to obtain 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM/mL BHT. Sperm characteristics were determined at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours of storage. Twenty multiparous does divided into 3 groups (A, B and C), of 7, 7 and 6 does respectively. These does received 250 μg cloprostenol intramuscularly, twice, 11 days apart and insemination was conducted 48 hours after. Groups A, B and C were inseminated with semen stored for 72 hours containing 1.0 mM/mL of BHT extended in TEY, 1.0 mM/mL of BHT extended in CEY and 0.5 mM/mL of BHT extended in TCW respectively. Ultrasonography was used for pregnancy diagnoses 47 days after artificial insemination. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that semen of red Sokoto bucks stored in tris egg yolk + 1.0 mM/mL BHT and chilled for 72 hours had better semen quality and conception rates.
Comparison of solvent evaporation and ultrasonicassisted production methods in the development of nimesulide nanosponges and their characterization
Authors: Shah Pervaiz Akhtar , Syed Haroon Khalid , Sohail Abdul Rehman , Pervaiz Areeba , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Liew Kai Bin , Khan Salah-Ud-Din , Zaidi Haider Abbas
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To compare solvent evaporation and ultrasonic assisted synthesis in preparation of nimesulide nanosponges using polyvinyl-alcohol and Eudragit L100 as a polymer/copolymer and dichloromethane as a cross linker.Methods: Twelve formulations of nimesulide were prepared, six with each method by varying the ratios of both polymer and co-polymer. The resulting nanosponges were evaluated characterized by preformulation studies, production yield (%), differential scanning calorimeter, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, entrapment efficiency (%), actual drug content (%) and in-vitro dissolution studies.Results: The results revealed that the formulation with high amounts of co-polymer in both methods showed crystalline structures with enhanced dissolution rates in basic media. Drug entrapment was higher for products prepared by solvent evaporation method (74 %) than that prepared by ultrasonic assisted method (61 %). This correlates with the enhanced dissolution rates for products by solvent evaporation method and increased solubility due to drug-polymer complex formation.Conclusion: Formulations made by solvent evaporation method demonstrate higher production yield and drug entrapment. However, both methods exhibit enhanced dissolution rates in basic medium generally as well as other characteristics that are comparable to nanosponges reported in the literature with regard to their comb like structure.
Aromadendrin protects mouse liver from sepsis-induced injury by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Zhihui , Yin Qun
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the protective role of aromadendrin in septic liver injury in mice, and  its mechanism of action.Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n=6 for each group) were administrated with aromadendrin (SMB00175, Sigma-Aldrich) at 0 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg via a hypodermic intraperitoneal injection. HE staining was used to examine liver histopathological structural changes in the liver while DAPI/Tunel staining was employed to evaluate liver cell apoptosis. The mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)was applied to assess the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the activities of catalase (CAT), antioxidant glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, the protein levels of p65, p-p65, p-IκBα and IκBα were analyzed by Western blotting.Results: The liver tissues exhibited severe structural damages, with edema, necrosis, and neutrophil infiltration, but recovered as a result of aromadendrin treatment (p < 0.05). The increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in CLP mice were reduced by aromadendrin, which also attenuated liver injury and cell apoptosis. Aromadendrin inhibited the levels ofu TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the mice, while the activities of GSH and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) were also significantly lowered in the mice, but attenuated by aromadendrin (p < 0.05). Aromadendrin also prevented the increased level of MDA, and suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Aromadendrin protects mouse liver from sepsis-induced injury by inhibiting NF-κB signaling in vivo, thus suggesting a potential strategy for the therapy of sepsis-induced liver injury.
BCL9 enhances the development of cervical carcinoma by deactivating CPEB3/EGFR axis
Authors: Du Yi , Zhao Fen , Zhang Ni , Yu Guoxiao , Shi Lei , Li Juan
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the differential expression of BCL9 in cervical carcinoma samples, analyze its biological functions in regulating malignant phenotypes of cervical carcinoma cells, and to explore its potential molecular mechanism.Methods: Expression levels of BCL9 in 58 pairs of cervical carcinoma tissues and paracancerous tissues were determined using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Kaplan- Meier curves were used to analyze the prognostic potential of BCL9 in cervical carcinoma. After knockdown using BCL9 by lentivirus transfection, proliferative and migratory changes in Siha and HeLa cells were determined by CCK-8, colony formation and Transwell assays. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 3 (CPEB3), the potential downstream target of BCL9, was confirmed via dualluciferase reporter assay. Western blot analyses were conducted to determine the protein levels of CPEB3, EGFR, AKT and p21 in Siha and HeLa cells with BCL9 knockdown. The co-regulation of BCL9 and CPEB3 on phenotypes of cervical carcinoma cell was investigated.Results: BCL9 was upregulated in cervical carcinoma tissues. The high level of BCL9 was predicted by the tumor size, advanced stage and poor prognosis. The knockdown of BCL9 significantly weakened proliferative and migratory abilities of Siha and HeLa cells (p < 0.05). CPEB3 was the downstream target of BCL9, and was lowly expressed in cervical carcinoma tissues. The knockdown of BCL9 upregulated CPEB3, and downregulated EGFR, AKT and p21 (p < 0.05). The knockdown of CPEB3 also reversed the influence of silenced BCL9 in regulating its proliferative and migratory abilities in cervical carcinoma cells (p < 0.05).Conclusion: BCL9 drives the deterioration of cervical carcinoma by inhibiting the CPEB3/EGFR axis.Thus, BCL9 may be a novel molecular target for cervical carcinoma treatment.
Efficacy of co-administration of oxiracetam and butylphthalide in the treatment of elderly patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, and its effect on NIHSS and ADL scores
Authors: Huang Qiong , Chen Zhixiong , Yao Jing
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of combined use of oxiracetam and butylphthalide on hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) in elderly patients, and its influence on NIHSS and activities of daily living (ADL) scores of patients.Methods: Ninety (90) elderly patients with HICH who were admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China served as study subjects, and were randomly assigned to control and study groups, with 45 patients per group. The patients in the control group were treated with oxiracetam alone, while patients in the study group received a combination of oxiracetam and butylphthalide. Clinical efficacy, undesirable side effects and serum indices were determined. The NIHSS and ADL rating scales were used to evaluate cerebral nerve function and ADL score before and after treatment.Results: There were significantly higher total treatment effectiveness and lower incidence of adverse reactions in the study group than in control group, while tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) index, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) index and NIHSS score were reduced in study patients, relative to controls (p < 0.001). However, ADL score in the study group was higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Treatment of elderly patients with HICH using a combination of oxiracetam and butylphthalide improves various serum indices, cerebral nerve function and ADL, as well as clinical efficacy. Further research on the combined medication will help to establish a reliable treatment plan for these patients.
Attitudes and approaches towards COVID-19 management among the public and pharmacists in Northern Cyprus
Authors: Sakallı Hüseyin Kerim , Tosun Özgür , Yavuz Dudu Özkum , Meriçli Filiz
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To study the attitudes and approaches towards COVID-19 management among the public and pharmacists in Northern Cyprus.Method: Questionnaire were administered face-to-face and online to volunteer pharmacists and othermembers of the public, after receiving approval from the Near East University Ethics Boards. Responses to the questionnaire were evaluated statistically.Results: The pharmacists who quickly learned and adopted the necessary protection measures againstCOVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic were young professionals under the age of 30 years who had less than 5 years of professional experience (p < 0.05). Most pharmacists who prepared magistral disinfectants/antiseptic solutions and lotions for irritation caused by excessive hand washing were agedabove 60 years, with more than 30 years of professional experience (p < 0.05). The people who responded in the questionnaires asked for products derived from Echinacea, Sambucus nigra, propolis, ginger and Pelargonium sidoides to boost their immune system. Approximately 22.6 % of the respondents received COVID-19-related information from doctors, while 33.4 % got theirs from pharmacists. However, 6.7 % of the respondents got information from social media groups which they created (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Cooperation between pharmacists and health care organizations is increasingly crucial forpublic health, since there are still gaps in the successful control of COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it would be beneficial and even necessary to add a course on "management and solidarity in pandemics and other disasters" to the undergraduate education programs in pharmacy and all other healthcare disciplines.
Efficacy of combined nebulized aerosol inhalation and pulmicort respules in the treatment of emergency pediatric laryngitis, and its effect on adverse reactions
Authors: Wang Huazhen , Han Naiqin , Xu Nana , Wu Qingjiao , Dong Xiaoqing , Han Zhen
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of combined use of nebulized epinephrine inhalation and pulmicortrespules in the treatment of emergency pediatric laryngitis and, its impact on the incidence of adverse reactions.Methods: A total of 100 cases of pediatric laryngitis admitted in The People’s Hospital of Zhangqiu District between December 2018 and December 2020 were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either pulmicort respules (control group) or pulmicort respules plus nebulized epinephrine inhalation treatment (study group).  Outcome measures included level of effectiveness and adverse reactions.Results: Pulmicort respules plus nebulized epinephrine inhalation treatment was associated with shorter remission time for dyspnea, wheeze, croup, and hoarseness versus pulmicort respules. The combination treatment produced higher total effectiveness of 96 % than pulmicort respules with total effectiveness of 82 % (p < 0.05). After treatment, both groups had decreased serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, with markedly lower levels in the group given nebulized epinephrine inhalation in combination with pulmicort respules (p < 0.05). Compared with patients given pulmicort respules only, those given combination treatments had a significantly shorter hospitalization time and a lower incidence of adverse reactions (4 vs 8 %; p < 0.05).Conclusion: Nebulized epinephrine inhalation in combination with pulmicort respules has high safety in the treatment of emergency pediatric laryngitis, and it significantly reduces clinical symptoms, inflammatory response, and hospital stay. However, further clinical trials are required prior to its use in clinical practice.
Effect of oteracil in combination with gimeracil on longterm survival and postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing radical surgery for biliary tract cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaona , Zhang Tingting , Wu Wenliang , Tang Peng
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of oteracil (Oxo) in combination with gimeracil (CDHP) on long-term survival and postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing radical surgery for biliary tract cancer (BTC).Methods: Clinical data for 70 patients who underwent radical surgery for BTC in the Oncology Department of the Changle People’s Hospital, Weifang, China from April 2017 to April 2018 were collected. The patients were equally assigned to group A and group B, based on odd or even hospitalization number. After surgery, patients in group A received the combination of Oxo and CDHP, while group B patients received gemcitabine only. Long-term survival and incidence of adverse reactions were compared.Results: Compared with group B, group A had higher total treatment effectiveness (p < 0.05), lower clinical indices (p < 0.05), lower BPI score (p < 0.001) and higher 3-year overall survival (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Combined use of oteracil and gimeracil significantly prolongs the survival time and reduce cancer pain in BTC patients, with minimal toxic and side effects. However, further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.
Sevoflurane induces ho-1-mrna expression by regulating P13K/Akt/P70S6K signaling pathway and affects neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Lu Zhiqiang , Wei Yan , Xu Jiandang , Tang Yinghua
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To determine the effect of sevoflurane (SE) on neuronal apoptosis, and the mechanism involved.Methods: Sixty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control, model and SE groups. Sham surgery was performed in control group, while middle cerebral artery infarction (MCAO) was established in model group. The expression of HO-1 mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Apoptosis, autophagy and protein content of P13K/Akt/P70S6K signaling pathway were assessed by Western blot assay.Results: Apoptosis was significantly lower in SE rats, relative to model rats. There were markedly higher protein levels of LC3 II / I, beclin-1, bad, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in model and SE groups than in control rats (p < 0.05). The HO-1 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in model and SE groups, relative to controls, but it was significantly up-regulated in SE group, relative to model rats (p < 0.05). The expression levels of phosphorylated proteins of the P13K/Akt /P70S6K signal-related proteins in model and SE groups were significantly up-regulated, relative to control, but elevated in SE mice, when compared to model mice (p < 0.05).Conclusion: SE improves the behavior of MCAO rats, reduces cerebral infarction, and inhibits apoptosis and autophagy of nerve cells by regulating autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins through a mechanism that may be related to the induction of HO-1-mRNA expression by regulating P13K/Akt /P70S6K signal pathway. This provides new insights for the development of anti-neuronal apoptosis drugs.
Diagnóstico organizacional, un estudio de caso en el Hospital Civil de Culiacán
Authors: León-Castro Delia Angélica , Bernal-Domínguez Deyanira
Published: August 2022

El diagnóstico organizacional es un análisis integral que evalúa las áreas que inciden en el logro de objetivos estratégicos dentro de un contexto actual. La metodología aplicada fue un estudio de caso con enfoque cualitativo y descriptivo. Su aporte es proporcionar conocimientos; comprobar, contrastar y explicar las prácticas realizadas dentro de la unidad de análisis, con el fin de contar con un diagnóstico que permita transformar el proceso de toma de decisiones. Se aplicó la herramienta de libre acceso en Internet ofrecida por la Secretaría de Economía en México al Hospital Civil de Culiacán ubicado en Culiacán, Sinaloa, México. Se identificaron fortalezas como: organigrama establecido, personal altamente calificado y comprometido. En contraste, se detectaron problemas en las áreas de finanzas y recursos humanos, debido a las barreras de comunicación, la falta de análisis y planeación financiera, así como programas de capacitación. Se proponen una serie de medidas para mejorar y fortalecer la gestión de recursos financieros, materiales, humanos y tecnológicos.
¿En realidad es problema de la COVID-19 el desajuste de la curva de Phillips? Un análisis económico sobre las expectativas de ofertores y consumidores para 2021 en México
Authors: Andrade Rosas Luis Antonio , Flegl Martin
Published: August 2022

El ámbito económico representado en su mayoría por las empresas es el que más sufrió los estragos derivados de la pandemia COVID-19. En este trabajo, a partir del Índice de precios al consumidor (IPC) del 2010 a marzo 2021, se hace un pronóstico incorporando la estacionariedad por mes, con el objetivo de comparar los pronósticos del IPC durante la pandemia respecto a los valores reales en la pandemia. El análisis muestra que las empresas no incorporaron los efectos de la pandemia dentro de sus pronósticos, lo que ocasionó alteraciones en sus finanzas. Quizá los consumidores podrían haber ganado por este cambio de precios, pero las condiciones de desempleo lo impidieron. De acuerdo a esta sospecha, el análisis involucra la relación entre desempleo e inflación vía la curva de Phillips, y a partir de un análisis econométrico se encuentra un umbral de la tasa de desempleo, en donde se modifica la forma funcional de la curva de Phillips. Adicional al análisis, se destaca el valor del umbral, que corresponde a la tasa de desempleo de 4.4 % del primer trimestre del 2021.
Modeling and Forecasting Selected Meteorological Parameters for the Environmental Awareness in Sub-Sahel West Africa Stations
Authors: Aweda Francis Olatunbosun , Akinpelu Jacob Adebayo , Samson Timothy Kayode , Sanni Mohammed , Olatinwo Bukunmi Sunday
Published: August 2022

The monthly air temperature, rainfall, air pressure, and wind speed direction for the environmental time series recorded between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2020 in six African stations from different climatic zones were modeled and forecasted. In the forecasting, Augmented Dickey Fuller test, ARIMA models, Auto correlation Function (ACF) and Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF) were used. Result showed that in most of the fitted models, the Moving Average terms both seasonal and non- seasonal were also significant (p<0.05) indicating that the previous day value of the stochastic term also had a significant effect on the present value of meteorological parameters in the environment. It was observed that in all the fitted models except for wind direction in Conakry and rainfall in Abidjan have all their Autoregressive term of order 1 significant (p<0.05) which implies that previous day value of these meteorological parameter had a significant effect on the present day value of the parameters. Therefore, the forecast model indicates that maximum temperature are expected in February, March, April, and June while minimum temperatures in January, August, December. Although, the selected models cannot forecast the precise air temperature, this can also provide information that can be of help to create tactics for appropriate preparation of farming which can be used as tools for effective envi­ronmental preparation and policymaking.
La legislación ambiental en Ecuador: ¿nulidad o eficacia en sostenibilidad?
Authors: Vanga Arvelo María Giuseppina , Ortega Bravo Bolívar Humberto , Piñero Martín María Lourdes , Esteban Rivera Edwin Roger , Rodríguez Gámez María , Mora Pisco Carmen Inés
Published: August 2022

En este libro se da a conocer la legislación ambiental que rige en el Ecuador y las problemáticas ambientales con mayor impacto. No obstante, dejan ver de manera explícita que la educación es el medio por excelencia no solo para crear conciencia sino para generar desde su seno propuestas viables que contribuyen a la preservación del planeta. Aquí se plantea que la educación juega un papel primordial en la construcción de una sociedad con capacidad de intervención eficaz en distintos ámbitos de la vida; la educación que prepara a los individuos para una realidad compleja y cambiante es el motor para el progreso y desarrollo de un país (Díaz, 2020).
Understanding HTT Architecture and its impact on processor's performance
Authors: Gupta Ankita , Ramesh K. B.
Published: August 2022

This paper deals with Hyper-Threading Technology architecture and also architecture design and working of Intel's processor. Hyper- Threading Technology transforms a single physical processor into two logical processors by sharing physical execution resources and duplicating the architecture state for the two logical processors. This means that operating systems and user programs can schedule processes or threads to logical processors in the same way that they would on multiple physical processors. In terms of microarchitecture, this means that instructions from both logical processors will persist and run on shared execution resources at the same time, this technology is bound to get more popular in the future as it introduces a replacement strategy for achieving extra performance while reducing transistor and power costs.
Biometric Iris Recognition System For Identity Verification
Authors: Srinivas G  , Lakshmi Prabha M  , Ram Prasath K  , Uma Maheswari V  , Jasmine K
Published: August 2022

Individual identity authentication is currently one of the most important components in a wide range
of applications. As a consequence, the iris-based biometric technology has piqued the curiosity of
many in this field. This high level of interest originates from its high level of accuracy and potentially
promising applications. This article focuses on the various studies that have been done on the subject,
as well as the various approaches that make up the biometric system based on iris recognition.
Methodologies or methods for segmentation, feature extraction, and matching are given special
attention. For matching, we employ two different classification methods in our research. ANFIS and
k nearest neighbour are the strategies. The iris is located using morphological methods.