bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of electromagnetic and electrical resistivity methods for foundation studies at Ahmadu Bello University Phase II, Zaria
Authors: Olayinka L.A. , Aremu B.G. , Ahmed A.L. , Lawal K.M. 
Published: July 2020

Very Low-Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and 2D electrical resistivity survey were carried out at the Ahmadu Bello University Phase II in order to investigate the suitability of the soil materials for the foundation of super-structures in the study area. The Terra-Plus equipment and ABEM SAS 4000 were used for VLF-EM and resistivity data acquisition respectively. The VLF-EM Data were collected along five (5) profiles at station interval of 10 m along each profile. The data collected from each of the VLF-EM profile were processed and interpreted with the aid of Karous-Hjelt and Fraser filter software. Electrical resistivity profile was laid on the weak zones revealed by the 2D VLF-EM profiles through the aid of dipole-dipole configuration. The data obtained were processed and interpreted with the aid of Res2Dinv software. Borehole log of the study area was used as additional information which serves as a calibration tool. The 2D imaging profile of VLF-EM highly correlates with resistivity profile. The 2D VLF-EM and resistivity profiles revealed the conductive zone and resistive zones. These zones are suspected to be geological features (dyke, faults and fractures). This geological feature such as fracture zones was filled with an earth’s materials which are probably sandy clay and mottled clay, and these materials are highly undesirable for the foundation of building structures due to its characteristics of swelling and contracting during rainy and dry season respectively. Thus, undesirable materials should be excavated and be refilled with suitable materials for the foundation of super-structures and also, geological bodies should be avoided when the foundation of the structures is to be erected.
Keyword: VLF-EM, electrical resistivity, foundation of super-structures, geological feature, undesirable materials
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies of Mn(II) complexes of acetylthiophene and acetyl Furan Schiff base derivatives
Authors: Isyaku S. , Aliyu H.N. , Ozoro E.C. , Abubakar T. 
Published: July 2020

Manganese (II) complexes of Schiff bases; 2-acetylthiophene 4‑phenylthiosemi-carbazone (AT-PTSC) and 2-furylmethylketone-4-phenylthiosemi-carbazone (AF‑PTSC) derived from condensation of 2-acetylthiophene and 2-furylmethylketone (2-acetylfuran) each with 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide in (1:1 molar ratio) ethanol, have been synthesized. The Schiff bases and the Mn(II) complexes were characterized on the basis of melting point/decomposition temperature, solubility, magnetic susceptibility, infrared spectra, molar conductance measurements, elemental and gravimetric analyses. The Mn(II) complexes show moderate values of decomposition temperatures. The Schiff bases and the complexes were soluble in some common organic solvents. Infrared spectral data of the Schiff bases and their complexes, indicate coordination of the Schiff bases to the metal(II) ion via azomethine nitrogen. The effective magnetic moment of the Mn(II) complexes suggested an octahedral geometry. The molar conductance values of the complexes show that the complexes are electrolytes. The results of the elemental analysis of the ligands and their complexes are in good agreement with the calculated values, suggesting a 1:2 (metal-ligand) ratio. Antimicrobial screenings of the ligands and their complexes were conducted against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus,) and two gram-negative (Salmonella typhii, and Escherichia coli) bacteria specie. Also three fungi mainly (Candida albicans, Mucus indicus and Aspergillus flavus) were tested. The results showed that both the ligands and the complexes are active against the bacteria and the fungi specie.
Keywords: Ligand, Schiff base, 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide, 2-acetylthiophene, 2-acetylfuran molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, elemental analysis.
<i>In-silico</i> comparative study of three (3) bioactive compounds from methanol extracts of <i>Combretum micranthum</i> leaf, and diazepam with Gabaa receptor molecule
Authors: Mohammed Z.M. , Haruna Z.K. , Abdullahi Z.I. , Hussein S.A. , Habila J.D. , Abdullahi M.H. , Aliyu A. , Ibrahim A. 
Published: July 2020

Stress affects monoamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system such as GABA (a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain). GABAA receptor is hetero-oligomeric Cl-channel that is elective blocked by the alkaloid, bicuculline and modulated by steroids, barbiturates and benzodiazepines. The anticonvulsant activity of Diazepam may be mediated by enhancement of inhibition involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Combretum micranthum is one of the maximum effective medicinal plants of therapeutic importance. Thus this study is to examine the effect of Combretum micranthum methanol leaf extract on GABAA Receptor via In-Silico analysis. Combretum micranthum methanol leaf extract was found using GC-MS to contain bioactive compounds (3,5-dichlorophenylhydrazine, guanidine and aminooxyacetic acid) with GABAergic functions. And the popular docking programs PatchDock and AutoDockVina were then used to predict computationally binding modes of these compounds with GABAA receptor. The molecular docking analyses indicated highly and effectively interactions (binding energy in kcal/mol) between GABAA receptor and the Combretum micranthum compounds (ligands): 3,5-dichlorophenylhydrazine (-193.85 and-5.6), guanidine (-87.63 and -3.3) and aminooxyacetic acid (-85.3 and -3.2) for both PatchDock and AutoDock Vina respectively. Results shows that 3,5-dichlorophenylhydrazine has a close binding energy in kcal/mol to that of Diazepam (-200.68 and -6.1 respectively). Findings of the study shows that the interaction between Combretum micranthum compounds (3,5-dichlorophenylhydrazine, guanidine and aminooxyacetic acid) with GABAA receptor can be explore for the development of new therapeutics to manage mental disorders.
Keywords: Gamma-aminobutyric acid, Combretum micranthum , AutoDockVina, PatchDock
Antimicrobial activity and phytochemistry of methanolic stem bark extract of <i>Melia azedarach </i>(Linn.)
Authors: Ahmed M. , Bukar A.H. , Amuda M.Y. , Babagana A. 
Published: July 2020

The use of traditional medicine is increasing and gaining popularity throughout the developed and developing countries. About 80 % of the people in developing countries rely on traditional medicine for primary health care. The present study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of the stem bark of Melia azedarach extracted using methanol as solvent. Phytochemical screening revealed that methanolic stem bark extract contain alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, flavonoids, saponins, steroid, tannin and terpenoid. Antimicrobial efficiency were tested against four human pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus spp. The diameter of zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured and it was found that the extract showed a maximum zone of inhibition against Gram negative and Gram positive pathogens and the zone of inhibition was found to be concentration dependent. The result obtained in this study may be indication that alcoholic extracts of this plant could be a possible source of obtaining new and effective herbal medicine to treat infections which justify the ethno medicinal uses of Melia azedarach against infectious diseases agents.
Key words: Melia azedarach, antimicrobial, activity, traditional medicine, extract
Combined activity of Azadirachta indica and Dodonea viscose leaves extract on some selected pathogens
Authors: Isah A. I , Aminu A.I. 
Published: July 2020

The study was undertaken to investigate the antimicrobial activity both individually and in combination of two Nigerian plants (Azadirachta indica and Dodonea viscosa) against a variety of pathogenic bacteria. Five bacterial species namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were selected for the assays. The powdered plant materials of the two plants were extracted using sohxlet extraction technique with methanol water and petroleum ether as solvents. The crude extracts of the two plants were subjected to phytochemical screening for qualitative detection of plant secondary metabolites. The extracts were further tested for antibacterial activity against the selected pathogens singly and then combined using agar well diffusion method. Antibacterial activity of the two plants singly indicates that the methanolic extract possess the highest antibacterial activity at a concentration of 50mg/ml with an inhibition zone of 23.3±0.5mm compared to aqueous extract with 21.7±0.5mm inhibition zone at a concentration of 50mg/ml. The least activity was observed with the petroleum ether extract with an inhibition zone of 7.3±0.5mm at a concentration of 12.5mg/ml. Combination of the plants extracts exhibited lower antibacterial activity on the test isolates compared to single plants as evidenced by the production of lower inhibition zones.
Key words: Azadirachta indica, Dodonea viscosa, pathogens, antimicrobial activity, synergistic effect
Production of Gypsum from Clamshells and Waste Acid Recovered from End-of-Life Lead Acid Batteries
Authors: Gohoho H. D. , Dankwah J. R. 
Published: July 2020

Gypsum exists in the Dihydrate (CaSO4 2H2O), Hemihydrate (CaSO4. ½H2O) and the Anhydrite (CaSO4) forms. The exploitation of the natural rock form deposit of gypsum is on the increase, necessitating the need to find alternative and efficient sources of gypsum so as to sustain all the industries dependent on gypsum as raw material. This work investigates the production of gypsum from clamshells and waste sulphuric acid from end-of-life car batteries. Clamshells obtained from the Volta Region of Ghana were calcined at a temperature of about 1000 ˚C with a view of producing CaO which was pulverised to particle size of 96 % passing 106 μm. Samples of the Pulverised Clam Shells (PCS) were then reacted with five different concentrations of the Waste Battery Acid (WBA). The reaction was observed to be very exothermic; a temperature of 101 ˚C was obtained for the 6.5 M concentration of WBA. The resulting mixture was filtered and an XRD analysis was performed on the oven dried residue to ascertain its composition. The findings from the work revealed that 100 g of pulverised clam shells produced an average of 58.08 g of calcined product and 134 g of gypsum. Peaks of SiO2 and CaCO3 in the XRD diffractogram of the gypsum indicated that the reaction between PCS and WBA was incomplete. Conclusively, the results from the XRD analysis showed peaks of the three forms of gypsum that was successfully produced. Keywords: Net Present Value; Internal Rate of Return; Sensitivity Analysis; Risk Analysis
Paclitaxel liposomes exert radio-sensitization effect on breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3 by regulating expressions of apoptotic proteins
Authors: Yin Guoling , Li Xiaoping , Chang Xiaofei 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To study the radio-sanitization effect of paclitaxel liposomes on breast cancer cells, SK-BR-3.Methods: Breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3 was cultured and made into a cell suspension. Four groups of cells were used: control and radiotherapy groups, paclitaxel group, and paclitaxel liposome + radiotherapy group (combination group). The growth inhibitory effects of the different treatments on SKBR-3 cells were determined with CCK-8 method. Apoptosis in each group was evaluated with flow cytometry, while Western blotting was employed to assay Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Bax protein levels.Results: There were marked inhibitory effect on growth of SK-BR-3 cells in drug, radiotherapy and combination groups, relative to control, while apoptosis was greater in combination group than in drug and radiotherapy groups (p < 0.05). The Bcl-2 protein level was higher in radiotherapy, drug and combination groups than in control group, while Caspase-3 and Bax proteins were markedly higher thancontrol values (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Paclitaxel liposomes exert radio-sensitization effect on SK-BR-3 by regulating the levels of apoptotic proteins. This provides a basis for research and development of new drugs.
Keywords: Paclitaxel liposomes, Apoptotic proteins, Breast cancer, SK-BR-3, Radiotherapy, Sensitization, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Bax
Daucosterol pretreatment ameliorates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury via ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Zhao Guixiang , Ma Xiaoyun , Hailati Juledezi , Bao Zhen , Bakeyi Maerjiaen , Liu Zhiqiang 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To determine the involvement of NLRP3 signaling pathway in the preventive role of daucosterol in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods: H9C2 cells were pretreated with daucosterol before hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury. Myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) was established in male SD rats, followed by reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size was measured. The serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using commercial kits. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed by western blotting.Results: Myocardial infarct size was smaller after IR injury in rats pretreated with daucosterol (10 and 50 mg/kg) than that pretreated with daucosterol (0 and 1 mg/kg). The increase in LDH, CK, and MDA levels after IR injury was reduced following daucosterol pretreatment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increased, whereas T-SOD activity decreased after IR injury. These changes were prevented by pretreatment of daucosterol (10 and 50 mg/kg). Protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome increased after IR injury in H9C2 cells while pretreatment with daucosterol inhibited the upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome.Conclusion: The cardioprotective effect of daucosterol pretreatment appears to be mediated via the inactivation of ROS-related NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that daucosteol might be a potential therapeutic drug for AMI.
Keywords: Daucosterol, Myocardial ischemia, Reperfusion injury, Reactive oxygen species, NLRP3 inflammasome
Administration of S-allyl cysteine to neonatal rats modulates inflammatory biomarkers in high-fructose-fed rats in adulthood
Authors: Ayeleso Ademola O. , Lembede Busisani W. , Nyakudya Trevor T. , Adepoju Ayodeji E. , Chegou Novel N. , Mukwevho Emmanuel 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To investigate the potential prophylactic effect of S-allyl cysteine (SAC), found in garlic (Allium sativum), against the development of apro-inflammatory status induced by diet in neonatal rats later on in adulthood.Methods: Suckling Wistar rat pups (4-day-old; male = 21 and female = 21) were randomly allocated to either of 3 groups and orally gavaged daily with the following treatments from postnatal day (PND) 6– 20: group 1 (control) - 10 mL/kg distilled water; group 2 - 10 mL/kg of 20 % w/v fructose solution (FS) and group 3 - 10 mL/kg FS + SAC. The rat pups were weaned on PND 21, and given ad libitum access to standard rat chow and plain drinking up to PND 115. The rats were euthanized on PND 116 and plasma was collected for the determination of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)] using Bio-Plex Pro magnetic beadbased assays on Bio-Plex platform.Results: Oral administration of FS during suckling increased significantly (p < 0.05) plasma concentrations of IL-5, MCP-1 and VEGF in adult male rats, and plasma MCP-1 in adult female rats. Neonatal oral administration of SAC prevented FS-programmed increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines(p < 0.05) later on in adulthood.Conclusion: Oral administration of SAC during the neonatal period protected against FS-induced proinflammatory status and thus, could possibly be exploited as a prophylactic or intervention agent againsta pro-inflammatory status induced by a high fructose diet.
Keywords: S-Allyl cysteine, Fructose solution, Cytokines, Pro-inflammatory chemokines, Neonatal programming
Effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on lung function and tissue cell apoptosis in a rat model of hyperoxic acute lung injury
Authors: Yang Yan , Qin Xian , Han Chuangang , Huang Yan , Jin Lei , Liu Qingqing , Hu Quan 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To study the effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on lung function and lung tissue cell apoptosis in a rat model of hyperoxic acute lung injury.
Methods: Five groups of healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were used: normal rats, untreated hyperoxic rats, and hyperoxic rats given 3 different doses of dexmedetomidine, with 20 rats in each group. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined usingenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Parietal paraffin cuts were taken from the right upper lobe for measurement of apoptosis using in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and the apoptosis index was calculated.
Results: At 24 and 48 h, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the hyperoxia model group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group, and their levels in the middle- and high-dose groups were markedly lowered, relative to untreated hyperoxia rats (p < 0.05). Apoptosis index in the hyperoxia model rats significantly increased, relative to normal rats (p < 0.05). The apoptosis index in the mediumand high-dose groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine inhibits inflammatory responses caused by high concentration of oxygen inhalation, minimizes lung injury, improves lung function and inhibits lung apoptosis.
Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, Hyperoxia, Acute lung injury, Lung function, Apoptosis
An oral vaccine against CVA16 (Coxsackievirus A16) was developed by constructing a recombinant<i> Lactococcus lactis</i>
Authors: Jiang Zaixue , Tian Xingui , Lu Xiaomei , Zhong Baimao 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To develop an oral vaccine against CVA16 (Coxsackievirus A16) by constructing a recombinant Lactococcus lactis that expresses VP1 from CVA16.Method: An oral CVA16 vaccine was prepared by expressing CVA16 VP1 protein with Lactococcus lactis. CVA16 VP1 gene was incorporated into a Lactobacillus expression vector, namely, pNZ8148, and then expressed in NZ9000, a food-grade lactic acid bacterium which serves as a carrier for oral vaccines.Results: There was statistically significant difference in CVA16-specific IgG antibody level between NZ9000-pNZ8148-CVA16-VP1 group (0.49 ± 0.05) and control group (0.05 ± 0.00) when the antiserum was diluted 1:10 (t = 19.84; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the level of CVA16-specific IgA antibody in NZ9000- pNZ8148-CVA16-VP1 group (0.17 ± 0.02) was significantly higher than in control group (0.05 ± 0.00) following antiserum dilution of 1:10 (t =12.08; p < 0.05).Conclusion: A CVA16 oral vaccine made from Lactobacillus elicits protective antibodies against CVA16. Thus, it is a potential as oral vaccine against CVA16 but further studies in vivo are required to ascertain its safety and effectiveness.
Keywords: Coxsackievirus A16, Hand, foot and mouth disease, Lactococcus lactis, Oral vaccine, Enterovirus 71
Dexmedetomidine reduces inflammation in mice with acute pancreatitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Gao Yanjun , Xie JinHui , Liu Ruobin , Li Yue , Yan Wenjun 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To study the anti-inflammatory influence of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in mice with acute pancreatitis (AP), and to determine the underlying mechanism.Methods: A total of 75 healthy ICR male mice were randomly divided into control, mild acute pancreatitis (MAP), MAP+DEX, severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and SAP+DEX groups, with 15 mice/group. Blood levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1β) and norepinephrine were assayed ineach group. Western blotting was used to assay the protein expressions of NLRP3 and norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the pancreatic tissue of each group.Results: The levels of inflammatory factors in the MAP+DEX group were markedly lower than those in the MAP group after 10 h of MAP induction (p < 0.01). Mice in MAP+DEX group had significantly lower expression of NLRP3 in pancreatic tissue, and significantly higher NET protein level, relative to the MAP mice. Following 10 h of SAP, concentrations of the inflammatory factors and the pancreatic expression of NLRP3 were lower in SAP+DEX-treated mice than in SAP mice, while NET protein was significantly higher in SAP mice (p < 0.01).Conclusion: DEX reduces the expressions of inflammation-related factors TNF-α and IL-1β, and inhibits inflammatory response in mice with AP via downregulation of NET protein expression via inhibition of NLRP3 and early sympathetic events.
Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, NLRP3 inflammasome, Sympathetic nerve, Acute pancreatitis, Inflammatory response
Cinnamic hydroxamic acid inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via upregulation of miR 145 expression and down-regulation of P13K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Li ShanPing , Hu SenMao 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To investigate the anti-proliferative effect of cinnamic hydroxamic acid (CHA) on gastric cancer (GC) cells, and its mechanism of action.Methods: Two GC cell lines (SGC-7901 and MKN1) and normal human gastric epithelial cells (GES1) were used for this study. The GC cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM)supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1 % penicillin/streptomycin solution at 37 °C for 24 h in a humidified atmosphere of 5 % CO2 and 95 % air. GES1 cells were cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with 10 % FBS only. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined using 3 (4,5 dimethyl thiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyl 2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The level of expression of microRNA-145 (miR-145) was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expressions of c-Myc, p-AKT, PI3K, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9were determined using Western blotting.Results: Treatment of GC cells with CHA for 72 h led to significant and dose-dependent reduction in their viability, and significant and dose-dependent increase in the number of apoptotic cells (p < 0.05). It also significantly arrested GC cell cycle at G1 phase (p < 0.05). The treatment significantly and dosedependently decreased SGC-7901 and MKN1 cell migration and invasion, and upregulated miR-145 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The expression of miR-145 mRNA was significantly higher in MKN1 cells than in SGC-7901cells (p < 0.05). Treatment of SGC-7901 and MKN1 cells with CHA significantly downregulated protein expressions of c-Myc, MMP-2/9, PI3K and p-AKT, but upregulated p21 protein expression (p< 0.05).Conclusion: These results show that CHA inhibits the proliferation of GC cells via upregulation of miR-145 expression and down-regulation of P13K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, CHA has a good potential as a therapeutic agent for the management of gastric cancer
Keywords: Apoptosis, Cinnamic hydroxamic acid, Gastric cancer, Metastasis, Proliferation