bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Deficiency and Evaluation of the Parathyroid Hormone Status in People Living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Jeanne Armande Aké Aya , Boyvin Lydie , Laurent Séri Kipré , Jean Maurel Allico Mousso , Djakaridja Yéo Kadjoweli , Francis Yapo Adou , Joseph Djaman Allico 
Published: July 2019

Background: Micronutrients play an important role in the human immune system. During HIV infection, the virus utilises the micronutrients of the body, for its replication causing metabolic disorders including phosphocalcic. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D3 (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) and calcitonin are essential for the maintenance of phosphocalcic homeostasis and the proper functioning of the body. In Côte d'Ivoire, very few studies on HIV infection and the mechanism of phosphocalcic metabolism have been done. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of 25 (OH) D3 and parathyroid hormone in people living with HIV.
Methodology: The study involved 326 adults (163 HIV-positive and 163 HIV-negative as control subjects). After confirmation by HIV serologic scanning result, CD4 count was performed by flow cytometry (Facs Calibur). Assays for 25 (OH) D3 and PTH were performed by HPLC and COBAS 6000 automated systems, respectively.
Results: A decrease in mean values ​​of 25 (OH) D3 (16 ± 0.46 ng / mL) was observed in 50% of HIV-infected on ART and 87% of these patients presented a normal PTH level (28 ± 1.95 pg / mL). Deficiency of 25 (OH) D3 (20 ± 1.03 ng / mL) is higher in HIV-infected on ART who have a CD4 count < 200 cells / mL.
Conclusion: Parathyroid hormone levels were normal in this study. Insufficiency or deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is more common in HIV-infected on ART with a CD4 count < 200 cells / mL. This decrease characterized the degree of immunodepression.
Lipid Profiles in Different ABO Blood Groups in Owerri Metropolis, South East Nigeria- A Preliminary Study
Authors: O. Ureme Samuel , C. Anioke Innocent , Igboerika C. 
Published: July 2019

Objective: The study investigated the possibility of using blood groups as predictive indices for diseases associated with lipid metabolism.
Methods: Lipid profiles were examined in 100 apparently healthy male (40) and female (60) subjects of different ABO blood groups aged between 18-30 years from Imo State University. Of these, 20 were blood group A, 30 were B blood type, 4 were AB blood type, and 46 were blood group O. Lipid profile parameters were determined according to enzymatic assay using a commercial kit from Randox Laboratories, United Kingdom and calculation using Friedewald’s equation. Monoclonal ABO blood grouping reagent by CLAS Technology, United Kingdom was used to determine the blood group.
Results: Total Cholesterol (140.62 ± 21.66 mg/dl) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (96.20 ± 40.32 mg/dl) were highest in blood group B. Blood group A had the highest level of Triglyceride (80.84 ± 18.60 mg/dl) and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) (15.21 ± 6.24 mg/dl). Blood group O showed TC level of 130.60 ±34.76 mg/dl with the highest level of LDL (70.74 ± 20.15 mg/dl) and the lowest level of HDL (51.68 ± 20.50 mg/dl) compared to non- O blood types (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study revealed that blood group O might have a higher propensity for dyslipidemia, suggesting an increased risk for disease associated with lipid metabolism.
Effects of Crude Methanol Soluble Extract of Momordica charantia on Cancer Cell Lines and L6 Cell Line
Authors: Manoharan Gunasekar 
Published: July 2019

A multitude of plants have been used extensively for the treatment of cancers throughout the world. In many parts of the world, especially in poor countries, this may be the only form of cancer therapy. Much research has been focused on the scientific evaluation of traditional anti-cancer drugs from the tropical plant; Momordica charantia (MC) is one of them and it has been used frequently as an anti-cancer agent. The green leaves, fruits, seeds and stems of M. charantia composed of many different proteins and steroids that are chemically active. These proteins are α and β momorcharins which possess anti-cancer and anti-HIV properties similar to crude water and methanol soluble extracts of M. charantia. This study investigated the anti cancer effect of crude methanol soluble extract of M. charantia based on dose-dependent and time-dependent on the viability of 1321N1, Gos-3, U87-MG, Sk Mel, Corl -23, Weri Rb-1 and L6 cell lines employing different concentrations of each extract or drug. The results have shown that the crude methanol soluble of M. charantia (200 µg - 800 µg) had little effect on the viability of the different cancer cell lines.
Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum on Prostate Functions in Hormonal Induced Enlarged Prostate in Adult Rats
Authors: Melvin Nnaemeka Ugwu , Peter Nnamdi Ogueche, , Mbeh Ubana Eteng, , Mbeh Ubana Eteng, , Margaret Akpan Eno, 
Published: July 2019

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histological disease characterised by an increased number of epithelial cells and stromal cells within the prostate gland. We investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on BPH induced animal model.
Methods: BPH was induced in male rats weighing 250-350 g through exogenous administration of testosterone and estradiol. A total of 30 rats were divided into five groups. One group was used as a control, and the other groups received subcutaneous injections of the two hormones. Groups 1 to 2 were treated orally with different doses of extract and group 3 received finasteride, group 4 was left untreated, and group 5 served as normal control. After forty-five days of treatment with the extract, the animals were sacrificed blood collected through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. The prostate glands were harvested and processed for paraffin embedding and stained with H and E.
Results: Treatment with the extract and finasteride resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), estradiol and prolactin and testosterone when compared to BPH control. Also, there was a significant increase in the protein content of the prostate gland when compared to BPH control. Prostate weight was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in treated groups compared to BPH control. This was supported by the histological examination of the prostate gland. Conclusion: Therefore, Ocimum gratissimum was effective in reducing PSA, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol and prostate weight induced BPH in a rat model, and may be useful for the clinical treatment of patients with BPH.
Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemical Constituents and Bioactivity of Wild Edible Fruits Commonly Consumed in Burkina Faso
Authors: Rouamba Ablassé , Compaoré Moussa , Kiendrebeogo Martin 
Published: July 2019

The screening of bioactive phytochemical constituents in edible fruits and vegetable is interesting to researchers owing their benefit property on consumer’s health. Fruits are used ethnomedicinally to treat numerous diseases including metabolic and microbial diseases. They are also used in human or animal nutrition because of their high energy value and their mineral contents. The pharmacological proprieties of fruits include antioxidant, anticancer, anti-mutagenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-neurodegenerative properties. These bioactive compounds are among others flavonoids, phenolic, anthocyanin, phenolic acids, stilbenes, tannins, as well as sugars, essential oils, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals. This review summarizes the ethnomedicinal use, the phytochemical constituents and the bioactivity of wild edible fruits commonly consumed in Burkina Faso.
Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria Probiotics in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Elaby Shahenda, M. , Salem Asmaa A. , Ali Jehan, B. , Abdel-Salam A. F. 
Published: July 2019

Two lactobacilli strains; Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 20079 and Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 20179 and two bifidobacteria strains; Bifidobacterium bifidum GSGG 5286 and Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15707 were studied their abilities to reduce the cholesterol content in vitro. It was investigated that the in vivo cholesterol-lowering effect of L. plantarum ATCC 20179, B. bifidum GSGG 5286 and mixture of both probiotics (L. plantarum ATCC20179 and B. bifidum GSGG5286) on hyperlipidaemic rats for 8 weeks. All lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains assimilate the cholesterol content in laboratory media. It was observed the highest assimilation of cholesterol was in L. plantarum ATCC 20179 and B. bifidum GSGG 5286 strains. In vivo, L. plantarum ATCC 20179 group was more effective in improving serum lipid profile levels [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein – cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein – cholesterol (HDL-C), very low density lipoprotein – cholesterol (VLDL-C) and Atherogenic Index (AI)], liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST and ALP), malonaldehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and total antioxidants capacity (TAC) levels than mixed-organisms and B. bifidum groups, respectively of hyperlipidaemic rats. It was concluded that L. plantarum ATCC 20179 showed more favourable results than B. bifidum GSGG 5286 in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in hyperlipidaemic rats.
Toxicity Activity-Guided Characterization of Toxic Constituents in Azadirachta indica Seed
Authors: Okafor Edwin N. , Njoku O. U. , Charles Okoli 
Published: July 2019

Background: Azadiradita indica seed has been used in traditional system of medicine. It is known to be natural medicine with many benefits. Toxicological studies have reported that toxic effects may be related to the complex mixtures of active constituents and other chemicals which increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Objective: The purpose of the study was designed to isolate and characterize the toxic constituents with a view of recommending for clinical trials.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The seeds were collected, identified and extracted with conventional Soxhlet extraction technique. Chromatographic techniques were used for fractionation and isolation of the toxic constituents. A total of eighty- four (84) adult Albino rats of both sexes were randomly assigned into fourteen (14) groups containing 6 rats in each group. Each group I-VI received one of the 100, 500, or 1000 mg/kg of Methanol Extract (ME) or Hexane Extract (HE), respectively. Group VII was the control and received 0.5 ml/kg of the vehicle, 3% v/v Tween 80. Group VIII-XIV received 100 mg/kg of Pet-ether-ethylaceate fraction (PEF), Methanol fraction (MF), Methylene Chloride /Acetone fractions 9:1, 8:2 and 7:3 (MAC-1, MAC-2, MAC-3), Isolate 1 (TN-1), and Isolate 2 (TN-2), respectively. Extracts and fractions were administered orally once daily for 30days for animals in group I-XII. Groups XIII-XIV were treated for only 10 days. On days 10, 20, 30, 3 ml of blood was withdrawn from each rat by an ocular puncture for liver function test (ALT and AST). Body/ organ weights were equally used as a toxicity guide in the separation of toxic constituents.
Results: The ME and various fractions caused significant (P<0.05) increase in the activities of ALT and AST. The isolated compounds TN1 and TN2 also caused a significant effect on AST and ALT. The toxic effect of TN-2 was higher than that exhibited by TN-1. The methanol and fractions caused significant (P<0.05) dose related increase in the body weight of treated animals. TN-1 and TN-2 caused significant (P<0.05) reduction in the organ weight of the treated animals.
Conclusion: Although there was no evidence of lethality for acute toxicity of the extract, chronic oral administration of the extract and solvent fractions caused hepatotoxicity. Structure elucidation revealed TN-1 and TN-2 to be 6- deacetylnimbin and Nimbolide, respectively.
High-level Expression and Purification of DNA and DNase Free Taq DNA Polymerase
Authors: Mishra Mukti Nath , Mohanraj Jeevanandam , Nisshanthini S. Durairaju , Bhat Shama 
Published: July 2019

Aim: Taq DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus is a key enzyme in the field of molecular biology that has been mostly used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our aim is to produce standard grade Taq DNA polymerase free from censorious impurities like DNase, DNA and other contaminating proteins.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were performed at the Molecular Diagnostic Division of Bhat Biotech India (P) Ltd., Bangalore from February 2017 to January 2018.
Methodology: The recombinant Taq DNA polymerase clone was confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing followed by BLAST analysis. The recombinant protein was in soluble form and was expressed by E. coli DH5α strain. The enzyme was extracted using the boil-lysis method and followed by purification with ion exchange chromatography and silica column chromatography to remove the contaminating protein, DNase and DNA. The yield of the protein was also calculated.
Results: In our laboratory, high-quality Taq DNA polymerase was purified using ion exchange chromatography columns and silica column, with a resulting yield of about 45-50 mg/L and the activity was found to be 1.5 U/µL.
Conclusion: The use of a silica column to remove the residual DNA is a remarkable step in obtaining an unequalled quality of Taq DNA polymerase.
Toxoplasma gondii and Tuberculosis Co-infection among Tuberculosis patients at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, North West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Kita Wanabo M. , Tume Christopher B. 
Published: July 2019

Aim: To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis co-infection among (TB) patients.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study was employed to gather data on 147 sputum positive TB patients.
Place and Duration of Study: Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH), Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory and Treatment Centre from October 2015 to April, 2016.
Method: An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to gather data on positive-sputum pulmonary TB patients of both sexes on whom some risk factors for Toxoplasma were explored, followed by blood sampling. T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies were researched in sera samples using indirect ELISA.
Results: T. gondii antibodies prevalence amongst the TB population was 83% (122/147, 95% CI 112-130). 85.25% of the Toxoplasma infection in the study population were recent infections with T.gondii parasite while up to 53.28% of patients were reactivating, no significant difference in prevalence between HIV negative or HIV positive TB patients was established.
Conclusion: The high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among TB subjects attending treatment at the Bamenda Regional Hospital is suggestive of co-infection. Toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis co-infection are opportunistic infections for HIV/AIDS, and life threatening to TB patients and could be the reason for unexplained deaths among these patients on treatment.
Ameliorative Effect of Methanol Extract of Hymenocardia acida Leaves on Gentamicin-Induced Renal Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Chukwuemeka Nweje-Anyalowu Paul , Adejoh Idakwoji Precious , Osafanme Iserhienrhien Lucky , Chizoba Anosike Joy 
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida leaves in rat model of gentamicin induced renal damage.
Materials and Methods: Twenty- four (24) Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing 150- 200g were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each; Group I served as the control and received normal saline, Group II- IV received gentamicin (40 mg/kg, i.p), Groups III and IV also received 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt., p.o methanol extract of Hymenocardia acida leaves respectively for 15 days. Body weight measurement, serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes analyses and histopathological examination of kidney were carried out.
Results: Gentamicin treatment caused nephrotoxicity as evidenced by marked elevation in Serum urea, creatinine, decreased sodium and chloride ions, elevated serum level of potassium ion and pathological signs such as congestion, focal areas of inflammation, tubular necrosis, and glomerular atrophy. Administration of the extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/ body wt significantly (p< 0.05) decreased Creatinine and urea levels, significantly (p< 0.05) increased sodium and chloride ion and significantly (p< 0.05) decreased potassium ion level when compared to the gentamicin- alone- treated group. Histopathological analysis also revealed a gradual reversal of the pathological features caused by gentamicin toxicity.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the extract possesses nephroprotective potential.
Ameliorative Effect of L-Arginine as Antioxidant Agent on Hematological and Testicular Functions in Lead-Induced Toxicity in Male Rats
Authors: Ibrahuim Marwan A. 
Published: July 2019

Aims: The present study aimed to elucidate the protective role of L-Arginine on lead – induced suppression of the pathway of heme synthesis and the toxicity of lead on testis.
Methodology: The current study included two experiments; the first was carried out on two groups to follow up the changes that could occur in iron status and reproductive system of male rats because of the lead exposure. The second experiment, three comparisons were made between three groups of rats with lead treatment only and other three groups rats with lead treatment followed by additional of daily injection of L-Arginine intraperitoneal about 500 mg L-Arginine / kg.b.wt. / day for 10, 20 and 30 days after the end of lead treatment.
Results: Lead significantly abolished heme synthesis presented by decrease in Hb, Fe and ceruloplasmin (Cp) and elevation in total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum ferritin. Furthermore, testosterone (total and free) significantly decreased after rats treated with 1% lead acetate while, estradiol (E2) and acid phosphatase (total and prostatic) were elevated. The concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphat (DHEA-S) did not change after lead treatment.
Conclusion: Daily treatment with 500 mg L-Arginine/kg body weight prevented the suppressive effects of lead on hematological parameters and testicular functions. The mechanism of L-Arginine action on lead induced changes was attributed to protection of antioxidant capacity in cells in addition to the ability of L-Arginine to scavenge free radicals and acts as cell membrane stabilizer.
Synthesis and Evaluation of the Antitumor Activity of (E)-3-((2-(5-(4-chlorophenyl) thiazol-2-yl) hydrazono) methyl) benzene-1,2-diol “In vitro and In vivo Study”
Authors: Z. Mohamed Faten , Elghreeb Mohamed S. , Abdelhamid Moustafa S. , Elbaz Hazem A. 
Published: July 2019

Background: Thiazole nucleus–containing compounds have an antitumor efficiency against various types of cancer.
Purpose: The present study was designed to determine the cytotoxic effect of newly synthesized thiazole derivative (TD1) on human cancer cell lines, in addition to evaluate its antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice.
Materials and Methods: TD1 was synthesized and investigated for its cytotoxic effect on HCT116 (colon cancer), HepG2 (liver cancer), PC3 (prostate cancer) and MCF7 (breast cancer). The effect of TD1 on cell viability, tumor volume, and percent of increase in life span (% ILS) in Ehrlich–bearing mice was studied. Hematological parameters, liver and kidney function tests were evaluated. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione levels were determined in liver and kidney tissues. The expression of P53 in EAC was analyzed by flow cytometry.
Results: TD1 demonstrated an inhibitory effect on both cancer cell lines in vitro and Ehrlich ascites cells in vivo. TD1 increased in life span of Ehrlich–bearing mice compared to control. Cell cycle and flow cytometric analysis revealed that TD1 directed Ehrlich cells toward apoptosis by increasing of P53 expression.
Conclusion: It was concluded that TD1 have a potent antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice beside a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7, PC3, HepG2 and HCT-116.
Effects of Methanolic Root Extract of Holarrhena floribunda on the Lipid Profile and Sex Hormones in Wistar Rats
Authors: Amaechi Dennis, , Udosen E. O. , Ekam V. S. , Ekpe I. P. 
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study aims to determine the effects of methanolic root extract of Holarrehna floribunda on the level of some serum sex hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and lipid profile in Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: Twenty- four male and female Wistar rats (150-250 g body weight) were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 (control male) took normal rat chow and drinking water. Group 2 (control female) took normal rat chow and drinking water, Group 3(Male test group), was administered with 200 mg/kg of Holarrehna floribunda extract, Group 4(Female test group), was administered with 200 mg/kg of Holarrehna floribunda. The feeding regimens lasted for 5weeks.
Results: The values for the lipid profile shows CHOL in Group 1 and Group 3 were 4.02±0.41 mmol/l and 5.75±0.09 mmol/l, Group 2 and Group 4 were 3.87±0.22 mmol/l and 5.80±0.10 mmol/l respectively, TRIG for Group 1 and Group 3 were 1.30±0.05 mmol/l and 2.11±0.15 mmol/l for Groups 2 and 4 were 1.15±0.03 mmol/l and (2.10±0.12 mmol/l,HDL-C for Groups 1 and 3 were 30.01±0.82 mg/dL and 39.88± 1.24mg/dL,for Groups 2 and 4 were 29.98± 0.77 mg/dL and 38.20± 1.83 mg/dL, LDL-C for Groups 1 and 3 were 2.26±0.37 mmol/L and 4.17±0.35 mmol/L respectively, for Groups 2 and 4 were 3.27±0.47 mmol/L and 4.06±0.21 mmol/L respectively, shows significant increase(p<0.05) in HDL-C (mg/dL) in Groups 1,2,3 and 4.The values obtained showed significant increase (p<0.05) in HDL-C (mg/dL) in Groups 1,2,3and 4The serum concentrations of FSH, Estradiol, LH and progesterone in the control Group 2 were 0.38 ±0.07mIU/mL, 7.83±0.35 mIU/mL, 15.50±0.15 Pg/mL and 0.86±0.03 ng/mL respectively, and in test Group 4 were 0.77±0.04mIU/mL, 8.75±0.17 mIU/mL, 21.09±0.79 Pg/Ml 0.33±0.05 ng/mL. Follicle stimulating hormone levels was significantly higher (p<0.05) in test group compared with control. While in Group 1 and 3, the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and testosterone in control Group 1 were (0.51 ±0.06) mIU/mL, (16.44±0.31) mIU/mL and (8.41±0.50) ng/mL respectively and in test Group 3 were 0.88±0.06 mIU/mL19.88±1.46mIU/mL and10.68±0.64 ng/mL, respectively.
Conclusion: The extract improves the level of sex hormones in both the male and female rats. which could enhance reproductive functions in normal rats and those with loss of reproductive function.