bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species Identification of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Isolates from Raw Poultry Products by MALDI–TOF MS and rRNA Sequence Analysis
Authors: Sulaiman Irshad M , Hsieh Ying-Hsin , Simpson Steven 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Campylobacter is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria. It is considered one of the leading cause of diarrheal illness worldwide. Incidence of human campylobacteriosis has increased significantly during recent decades; the increase has been directly linked with the advancement made in Campylobacter detection methods. C. jejuni and C. coli are the two major human-pathogenic species that can colonize poultry and cause foodborne illness and outbreak. Objective: This study was carried out to rapidly identify Campylobacter-like isolates recovered from raw poultry products by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)–time-of-flight (TOF) MS and DNA sequencing of 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) regions. Methods: Twenty-seven isolates of Campylobacter-like organisms were isolated from raw poultry products and cultured on blood agars for MALDI–TOF MS analysis and DNA isolation. For each isolate, one to two colonies were directly spotted on the VITEK MS analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from overnight bacterial culture. Afterward, two-directional Sanger sequencing of rRNA gene was performed to confirm species identification on an ABI 3500xL Genetic Analyzer. Results: The VITEK MS could provide species-level identification for all 27 Campylobacter-like bacterial isolates (including 13 isolates as C. jejuni and 14 isolates as C. coli). Species identification attained by the VITEK MS matched completely with the rRNA sequence characterization data. Conclusions: Based on the restricted number of target strains and agar plates, MALDI–TOF MS and rRNA sequence analysis can be used for rapid identification of C. jejuni and C. coli isolates. Highlights: MALDI–TOF MS and rRNA sequencing can provide species identification of C. jejuni and C. coli isolates.
Analysis of the Profitability of Catfish Production in Enugu East L.G.A. of Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ochiaka C. D. , Obasi C. E. 
Published: July 2019

Objectives of the Study: The study examined the profitability of catfish production in Enugu –East L.G.A of Enugu state.
Sample Size and Sampling Procedure: A purposive sampling technique was employed in the selection of 50 respondents used for the study.
Method of Data Collection: Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules.
Method of Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics, gross-margin analysis and profitability ratios were used in analyzing the data.
Results and Discussion: The result of the analysis showed that majority of the fish farmers (70%) were males and within the age range of 31 - 50 years. The result equally revealed that majority of the farmers (86%) had at least a National Diploma with about 5 -14 years fish farming experience. The result further indicated that cost of feed and fingerlings were the major cost component involved in catfish production. The gross margin analysis and profitability ratios revealed that catfish production is very profitable in the study area with a net income of about N576, 667 and a BCR of 1.6. The study however revealed that the high cost of farm inputs and poor credit facilities were the major constraints to catfish production in the area.
Recommendations: It was recommended that more fish feed producers be encouraged into the business to reduce the high cost of feed.
Effects of Ethanol Leaf and Fruit Extracts of Kigelia africana on Some Oxidative and Biochemical Parameters of Alloxan -Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: N. Uhuo E. , U. S. Ezeanyika L. , N. Ogugua V. 
Published: July 2019

Hyperglycaemia, a characteristic feature of diabetics mellitus leads to decreased antioxidant defense and hence the development of oxidative stress, which is involved in the aetiology of development of diabetic complications. This work was therefore aimed at evaluating the anti diabetic and antioxidative potential of the plant. These evidences suggest that good glycemic control and/or use of antioxidants may play an important role in the prevention of complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes was induced with single Intra peritoneal injection of alloxan (160 mg/kg b.w) dissolved in freshly prepared citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Oral administration of Kingelia africana (500 mg/kg b.wt) of methanol leaves and fruits extracts resulted in significant (p>0.05) decrease in the blood glucose level, MDA, glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid profiles and liver maker enzymes with corresponding increase in SOD activity, catalase activity, glutathione activity, serum protein concentration, and Vit.C concentration. In conclusion, K. africana possessed antioxidative properties evidenced by decrease blood glucose level and its effect on some oxidative parameters of diabetic rats.
Fatty Acids and Physicochemical Compositions of Dried and Roasted Blighia sapida Arils Oils (Ackee Apple) from Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Moya Felarry Hoba Armelle , Dogoré Digbeu Yolande , Binaté Siaka , Ahipo Dué Edmond , Patrice Kouamé Lucien 
Published: July 2019

In this work, comparative study of physicochemical properties and fatty acids of dried arils (DA) oil and those roasted (RA), of Blighia sapida from Côte d’Ivoire have been done using usual methods.
The results showed that the crude fat obtained were 59.08± 0.02 g/100 g for dried arils (DA) and 60.51 ± 0.12 g/100 g for roasted arils (RA) respectively. Physicochemical properties of these oils were equal approximately, except level of saponification (241.19 mg KOH/g (DA) against 216.8 mg KOH/g (RA)); acid value (7 mg KOH/g (DA) and 6.28 mg KOH/g (RA)) and ester acid 234.19 mg KOH/g (DA) against 210.65 mg KOH/g (RA) where variances analysis showed that there was significant difference (p<0.05). On the other hand, refractive index, pH, moisture value, relative density and Free fatty acid were respectively; 1.465 (DA) and 1.475 (RA); 5.625 (DA) and 5.8 (RA); 1.757 (DA) and 1.9 (RA); 0.093 (DA) and 0.103 (RA), 3.52 mg KOH/g (DA) and 3.03 mg KOH/g (RA). The color of both oils was yellow.
Fatty acid profile of these arils oils revealed that values of DA and RA were equal approximately (variances analysis showed that there was no significant difference (p<0.05)). These arils oils contained high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, 64.10 % (DA) and 65.17 % (RA), especially linolenic acid 20.02 mg/100 g (DA) and 22.18 mg/100 g (RA); linoleic acid 15.37 mg/100 g (DA) and 16.83 mg/100 g (RA) and Oleic acid 12.76 mg/100 g (DA) and 13.21 mg/100 g(RA). The saturated fatty Acids, accounted for 35.90% (DA) and 34.83% (RA) were constituted by palmitic acid with 18.02 mg/100 g (DA) and 18.11(RA) which were higher values. The values of stearic acid were 7.1 mg/100 g (DA) and 7.9 mg/100 g (RA) and 1.85 mg/100 g (AD) and 1.9 mg/100 g (RA) mg/100 g for myristic acid respectively.
These results showed that the arils oils of Blighia sapida fruit from Côte d’Ivoire have highly nutritive fat content because rich in essentials fatty acids. These oils may be suitable for soap making and edible (margarine). The oils extracts exhibited good physicochemical properties and could be useful as edible oils and for industrial applications.
Alterations of Tumor Suppressor Genes Expression in Colorectal Cancer: Their Impact on Progression and Prediction of Patients Outcome
Authors: Swellam Menha , E. Mosa Tamer , Afify Mie , D. E. Abdelmaksoud Mohamed , R. Ezz El Arab Lobna 
Published: July 2019

Background: Deregulation of tumor suppressor genes as APC, DCC and SMAD2 are related to tumorgenesis thus we aimed to investigate their expression among colorectal cancer to validate their relation with clinicopathological factors and the clinical outcome for CRC patients.
Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin samples from 115 colorectal cancer were investigated for APC, DCC and SMAD2 gene expression using quantitative PCR (QPCR) and their levels were analyzed versus clinicopathological factors and the overall survival (OS) of colorectal cancer patients.
Results: A significant relation was reported between DCC and SMAD2 gene expression with clinical stages as they reported decrease expression among those with stage III. The three investigated genes were decreased significantly with poor histological differentiation colorectal cancer patients. The correlations between the expressions of the investigated genes revealed a significant correlation between SMAD2 and APC as well as between SMAD2 and DCC. Moreover patients with mean levels below and equal their expression values showed a considerable difference with OS.
Conclusion: Gene expression of tumor suppressor genes APC, DCC and SMAD2 were significantly related to differential grading and patient's outcome thus pointing out their potential role as predictive markers for prognosis of colorectal cancer.
Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin on Biochemical Deteriorations Induced by Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: R. Youness Eman , F. Arafa Azza , F. Aly Hanan , EL-Meligy Emad 
Published: July 2019

Objective: The current research is designed to evaluate copper oxide nanoparitcles (CuO NPs) toxicity on HCT116 in vitro as well as in vivo on liver paraoxanse 1 (PON1 ) activity and serum B-cell lymphoma -2 (BCl2) in rats.
Materials and Methods: The toxicological role of CuO-NPs on the liver was indicated through intraperitoneal injection of 3 and 50 mg/kg of CuO-NPs (size >20 nm) in female rats for 7 days. The effects of NPs were examined by demonstrating serum levels of antiapoptotic marker (BCl2) and antioxidant enzyme PON1 .Flavonoids quercetin (que) was administered orally to intoxicated rats at the dose of 200 mg/kg for 30 consecutive days.
Results: In vitro study showed 100% death of HCT116 cells up to 12.5 ug/ml. The current results declared obvious PON1 inhibition and BCl2 in CuO-NPs intoxicated rats. Also, the results of this study indicated that the two concentrations of copper nanoparticles induced toxicity, while attenuation in antioxidant status and antiapoptotic marker was detected upon treated intoxicated rats with que.
Conclusion: It is evident that these nanoparticles cannot be used for human purposes because of their toxicity caused by oxidative stress implicated in liver toxicity by CuO-NPs. This study also declared that que is an effective free radical scavenger and could consider a potential nutraceutical for liver toxicity.
Anti-snake Venom Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Crinum jagus Bulb
Authors: H. Zailani A. , K. Magaji P. , Sarkiyayi S. , U. Wurochekke A. 
Published: July 2019

Aim: To determine the anti-snake venom effect of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts and separated fractions of Crinum jagus bulb on rats injected with Echis ocellatus venom.
Study Design: Evaluation of LD50 of venom, anti-lethal effects of different extract preparations and their effect on neutralising haemorrhage; the hallmark of Echis ocellatus venom toxicity.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry laboratory, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria between March and October 2017.
Methodology: venom was collected by the milking method. Fractionation of crude extracts was done by column chromatography separately with benzene/methanol, acetic acid/methanol and ethyl acetate/methanol. Thirty rats were used determine LD50 of venom while twenty-four albino rats were used in the anti-venom study; divided into 6 groups of 4 rats each. Group one served as the normal control, group two served as venom untreated control while groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were injected with 0.2 mg/mL Echis ocellatus venom and treated with 200 mg/kg body weight crude extracts, fractions I, II and III respectively then observed for 24 hours. Results: LD50 of venom was found to be 5 mg/mL; column chromatography of crude extracts gave three fractions each designated I, II and III respectively. Phytochemical analysis of both crude aqueous and ethanolic extract of Crinum jagus bulb revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins and phenolics. Only fraction III of both aqueous and ethanolic extract maintained all phytochemicals from the crude. Both extracts and their fractions were all able to neutralise the venom. For the aqueous extract, the crude extract and fraction III gave the best result while for the ethanolic extract, fractions II and III caused the best neutralisation.
Conclusion: Crinum jagus bulb has demonstrated significant anti-venom activity, this can be exploited for the development of new anti-snake venom drugs.
Prostaglandins and Thromboxane Status in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: F. Asaolu M. , A. Sonuga A. , O. Ajiboye S. 
Published: July 2019

Aims: Prostaglandins and Thromboxane A2 are prostanoids, with platelet aggregator and vasoconstrictor properties. This study was carried out to assess the prostaglandins and thromboxane status of patients with cardiovascular diseases in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Study Design: This is a comparative study.
Methodology: Two hundred patients with various cardiovascular diseases (Stroke, Ischemic heart disease, Hypertension, Hypertension with diabetes and Hypertension with Obesity) were recruited from Federal Teaching Hospital, Iddo Ekiti and Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. Thirty subjects without cardiovascular diseases were used as a control. Their age range was between 30 and 90 years. Plasma prostaglandin, PGD-2, PGE-1 and thromboxane TXA2 were evaluated in all groups by the use of Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data obtained was subjected to student t-test and ANOVA.
Results: The results showed a significant increase (P>0.05) in the plasma levels of prostaglandin (PGD-2, PGE-1) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in all the cardiovascular groups when compared with the control. Plasma levels of TXA2 were found to be significantly higher (P>0.05) in stroke patients when compared with the other type of diseased cardiovascular patients.
Conclusion: This study shows that the assessment of plasma prostaglandin and thromboxane levels in cardiovascular disease could be an essential tool in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
In vitro Potential of Aqueous Extracts of Plant Leaves to inhibit Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Kator Liamngee , Hosea Zakki Yula 
Published: July 2019

The in vitro potential of aqueous extracts of plant leaves to inhibit pathogenic fungi was carried out. The effect of leaf extract and concentration on growth inhibition of organism I (Aspergillus flavus) in vitro revealed that a concentration of 100g/mL, Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) gave the highest growth inhibition of (59.14) followed by Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract (NLE) (49.70) and Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract (BLE) (45.84) respectively while the least growth inhibition on organism 1 (Aspergillus flavus) was by MLE at concentration of 40 g/mL (30.11) followed by NLE at 60 g/mL (32.11) and BLE at 40 g/mL (40.13). On organism 2 (Penicillium waksmanii), MLE at a concentration of 100 g/mL gave the highest growth inhibition of (50.49) followed by NLE (49.01) and BLE (36.72) respectively while the least inhibition on growth of organism 2 in vitro was by BLE at concentration of 60 g/mL (16.05) followed by MLE (40.70) and NLE (40.70) at concentration of 80 g/mL respectively. On organism 3 (Botryodiplodia theobromae), MLE at concentration of 100 g/mL gave the highest inhibition of growth (57.00) followed by NLE (52.71) and BLE (50.15) respectively while the least inhibition on growth of organism 3 in vitro was by BLE at 40 g/mL (21.50) followed by MLE at 60 g/mL (31.06) and NLE at 40 g/mL (41.89). On organism 4 (Fusarium oxysporum), the highest growth inhibition was by MLE at 100g/mL (54.02) followed by NLE at 100 g/mL (49.62) and BLE at 100 g/mL (44.41) while MLE showed the least growth inhibition at 60 g/mL (24.04) followed by BLE at 40 g/mL (26.60) and NLE at 40 g/mL (30.12). NLE showed the highest grand inhibitory effect of extract concentration on growth inhibition of organism 5 (Colletotrichum asianum) in vitro at 100 g/mL (53.68) followed by MLE at 100 g/mL (51.51) and BLE at 100 g/mL (40.94). The least inhibitory effect on the growth of organism 5 in vitro was by BLE at 80 g/mL (21.26) followed by NLE at 40 g/mL (22.25) and MLE at 40 g/mL (32.69). The controls ranged from 2.23 to 4.31 across all extract concentrations and fungal isolates. There were significant differences in growth inhibition between extract concentrations and their controls on all fungal isolates. The use of plant extracts provides alternative means for controlling plant pathogenic fungi.
Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Fish, Water and Sediment of the New Calabar River
Authors: Chikordi Amechi, Prince Aruchi , Owhonda Wegwu, Matthew , Ike Omeodu, Steve , Iniebiyo Felagha, 
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study is aimed at determining the levels of some heavy metals in the water, sediment and fishes (Oreochromis niloticus, Periopthalmus koelreuteri, Micropogonias undulatus, Carassius auratus and Liza felcipinis) from new Calabar River located at Rumuolumeni Community in Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Study Design: Fish, water and sediment samples were selected collected and analyzed for Pb, Cd, Fe, Cr, Mn, Cu and Zn.
Methodology: The heavy metals concentration was determined by AAS. Health risk assessment of the samples was evaluated by Estimated daily intake (EDI), Toxic Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR).
Results: P. koelreuteri had the highest mean concentration of Pb (3.82±0.11 mg/Kg); C. auratus samples had the highest mean concentration of Cd (3.82±0.06 mg/Kg); P. koelreuteri had the highest mean concentration of Fe and Cr (189.87±0.04 mg/Kg and 4.75±0.02 mg/Kg respectively); M. undulatus had the highest mean concentration of Cu (3.14±0.05 mg/Kg); O. niloticus had the highest mean concentration of Zn and Mn (38.48±0.02 mg/Kg and 17.25±0.02 mg/Kg respectively). Heavy metals concentration was significantly low (P=.05) when compared with the experimental groups. The sediment samples showed the following trends in concentration (mg/Kg): Fe>Mn>Zn>Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd. Water samples had very low levels of Pb, Cd, Cu and Cr (<0.001 mg/Kg) except Fe (8.68±0.01 mg/Kg), Zn (0.10±0.02 mg/Kg) and Mn 0.11±0.00 mg/Kg. Health risk assessment of the metals in the samples analyzed indicates that the EDI of all the metals were within permissible limits, THQ for all the metals analyzed (especially Pb and Cd) indicates a potential deleterious effect on humans who depend of these aquatic organisms for their protein sources while only Cr has CR values above permissible limits.
Conclusion: Therefore the heavy metal levels of edible aquatic species within this area should be continuously monitored to ensure the safety of consumers of such organisms.
Effect of Ethanol Extract of Cucurbita pepo Leaves on the Lipid Profile of Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Eneh F. U. , Ugochukwu G. C. , Okoye C. M. 
Published: July 2019

Aim: The role of nutrition in lipid metabolism continues to generate a lot of research interest, especially as dyslipidaemia is implicated in a host of diseases. The work investigated the effect of ethanol extract of Curcubita pepo leaves on the lipid profile of Wister rats.
Methodology: A total of 18 rats divided into three groups of 6 rats each were employed in the investigation. The first group (baseline) was sacrificed after purchase; second group (control) was fed rat chow, and the third group (test) was fed a composite feed containing rat chow and 10% extract of C. pepo leaves.
Results: The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL and VLDL) of the rats was assayed after 18 days of feeding and the result showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the test group and control for the lipids assayed. However, there was a marked increase in the HDL level of the test group (0.500±0.057 mmol/L) compared to the control (0.268±0.043 mmol/L), it was nonetheless statistically non-significant (P=0.068). The HDL increasing effect observed may stem from the rich phytochemistry of the leaves, as preliminary phytochemical investigation showed the leaves to contain saponin, tannin, alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides.
Conclusion: We conclude that the leaves of C. pepo may play a medicinal role in maintaining lipid homeostasis.
Antifungal Potentials of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus jujube Linn and Lawsonia inermis
Authors: Abubakar A. L. , Dandare A. , Magaji U. F. , Abubakar I. H. , Yerima M. , Wasagu R. S. U. 
Published: July 2019

Background: The increasing emergence of resistance to conventional antimicrobial drugs and the complicity of their usage is a serious challenge in Nigeria. In our previous report, it was demonstrated that methanol leaves extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus jujube Linn and Lawsonia inermis exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas flourecense, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.
Methodology: In this study, agar well diffusion method was employed to assess the antifungal potency of these plant extracts and were tested against Aspergillus flavus, Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans.
Results: Exclusive of L. inermis extract against T. rubrum at 100 mg/ml (zone of inhibition 34.33±1.89 mm). 100 mg/mL of all the extracts investigated have significantly lower (P<0.05) antifungal activity when compared to standard antifungal drug (Nystatin, 100 mg/ml). The activity of L. inermis against A. flavus was comparatively similar (P>0.05) to the control drug, but significantly higher (P<0.05) against both T. rubrum and C. albicans at 150 mg/ml. Conversely, the antifungal activity of A. nilotica extract against T. rubrum and C. albicans significantly surpass (P<0.05) that of the control drug, while Z. jujube Linn extract activity against C. albicans was comparatively similar (P>0.05) to it, but significantly higher (P<0.05) against T. rubrum. A dose dependent antifungal activity of the plants was observed, and L. inermis extract was the most potent antifungal agent with an MIC and MCF values of 5 mg/ml.
Conclusion: This study reveals that L. inermis leaves extract could be used as a sources of potential antifungal agents.
Biochemical Alterations in the Liver and Kidney of Rats Following Sub-acute Administration of Aqueous Extract of Stem-bark of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew Tree)
Authors: Famurewa Ademola C. , Showunmi Funmilayo , Folawiyo Abiola M. , Epete Michael , Okike Paul I. , C. Onuoha Maxwell 
Published: July 2019

Background: The use of herbal medicines for treating ailments is rampant in recent years, and the toxicity implications of various plant preparations are sparingly reported. We investigated the potential effect of daily administration of aqueous extract of stem-bark of cashew tree on the liver and kidney status of rats.
Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: control rats received 1 mL of distilled water, G1 received 100 mg/kg, G2 received 200 mg/kg, while G3 received 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract for 28 consecutive days. The tissue homogenate supernatants were analysed for liver enzymes-alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and kidney function indices- urea and creatinine.
Results: In comparison to control, total protein increased significantly (P< 0.05) at 400 mg/kg extract, whereas albumin level significantly decreased (P<0.05) in rats treated with extract. .Activities of AST, ALP and GGT increased markedly (P< 0.05) at 400 mg/kg, whereas a significant decrease was observed in bilirubin level when compared with the control. Levels of urea and creatinine in kidney tissue were significantly higher in extract-treated rats compared to control.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the extract dose at 400 mg/kg may cause alterations with toxic implications in the liver and kidney of rats.