Antioxidant and Antipyretic Activities of Adansonia Digitata (African Baobab) Fruit, Leaf And Bark Extracts

The   study   was   conducted   to   evaluate the   antioxidant   and antipyretic activity of Adansonia digitata (African Baobab) fruit, leaf and bark extracts.  Antioxidant activity of plant part extracts were determined by free radical   Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay   while   the   antipyretic activity was assessed using experimental animals. Antioxidant activity of leaf extract showed a value of 13.40±0.77, bark extract 29.23±1.69 while fruit extract gave a value of 39.21±2.26. For the Antipyretic activity results, the average temperature of Albino Wister rats was   21.65±0.96 oC   before   fever   inducement   and 30.64±1.37 oC   after inducement. Following the administration of the leaf extract (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg), bark   extract (400 mg/kg   and   800 mg/kg) and   fruit   extract (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg), the body temperature of the albino rats fell to25.96±1.16 oC vs.   25.28±1.13 oC, 26.06±1.17 oC vs. 25.02±1.12 oC, and 25.78±1.15 oC vs. 24.30±1.09 oC respectively. The   results   showed   that   the   fruit   extract   has   a   higher antioxidant and antipyretic activity than bark and leaf extracts

Economic Analysis of Cassava Production: Prospects and Challenges in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to analyse cassava production, prospects and challenges in Irepodun local government area, Kwara State, Nigeria. It aimed to examine the determinant variables and determine the profitability level of cassava enterprises. The study was based on primary data obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire from 100 cassava farmers drawn through multi-stage sampling techniques from the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least square (OLS) regression model and gross margin analysis. The result of the OLS regression estimates showed that farm size, cost of fertilizer application, farm size, herbicides, family and hired labour were significant variable affecting cassava production in the study area. Fertilizer, farm size and hired labour are significant at 1% while herbicide and family labour are significant at 10%. The study found that the average gross margin per hectare for cassava production in the study area was ₦24,749.28 ($65.30) with a gross benefit ratio of 1.38. This shows that for every ₦1 invested in the business of cassava production, there is a corresponding profit of ₦1.38. The major challenges identified in cassava enterprise are huge transportation cost, high cost of production, lack of improved cassava cultivars, and lack of market linkages. The study concluded despite the problem encountered in the study area, cassava production is profitable and can serve as a panacea for economic improvement of households. Therefore, the study recommends that basic inputs such as improved cassava varieties, herbicides and fertilizer should be made available at affordable price. Also, infrastructural facilities such as good road network and improve marketing channels should be provided in order to sustain current cassava production rate and economic gains from the production

Diclofenac predisposes benign prostate hyperplasia in fat feed albino rats

Background: An attempt to establish the possible cause(s) of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in fat feed albino rats treated with diclofenac (DCF)-potassium (K) was performed to ascertain its likely translational relationship in humans.Methods: Thirty-five male wistar albino rats of 24 weeks old were divided into five groups of 7 animals each were used. Group 1; the normal control (NC) was injected subcutaneously with the vehicle (olive oil) only and served normal diet. Group 2; standard group treated with testosterone propionate in olive oil (3 mg/kg b. wt.). Groups 3, 4, and 5 were fed with the standard feed mixed with animal fat (sourced from roasted meat/condiments in aluminium foils) in 20, 40 and 80% portions, then treated with DCF-K in solution as low (2 mg/kg b. wt.), mid (4 mg/kg b. wt.), and high (6 mg/kg b. wt.) doses, respectively. The blood samples collected were analysed for prostate specific antigen (PSA), hematological parameters, kidney and liver function.Results: Group 3 showed the highest PSA elevation (p<0.05) when compared to the control and the untreated group. There was a significant elevation (p<0.05) in WBC levels compared to all other groups. PCV, MCV, NEUT, MONO and EOSIN levels increased significantly (p<0.05) across all groups. Significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in liver and kidney parameters compared to the untreated groups. Significant (p<0.05) elevation in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels across the groups was observed. The DCF-K treated groups showed increase in several parameters compared to the untreated groups.Conclusions: It was obvious that fatty diet and use of DCF-K contributed to the observed hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hence predisposed tissue damage and inflammation which conjunctly elevated PSA

Exploratory survey of recessed window façade shading in Johor Bahru Malaysia

The built environment is a major source of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions potentially exacerbating the threats of climate change. With global rising temperatures, the energy requirements for cooling and ventilating buildings in tropical nations like Malaysia will soar geometrically. Scientists around the globe are exploring several technologies to address the challenges posed by building emissions and energy consumption. One of the main methods is the application of passive design strategies such as external façade shading or self-shading. Studies indicate one of the most practical self-shading technique is recessed window facades (RWF) which can easily integrate without reducing natural light and obscuring views. However, studies on the RWF are limited in literature particularly in Malaysia. This research aimed at carrying out an exploratory survey of recessed window façade (RWF) shading in selected buildings in Johor Bahru Malaysia. The RWF buildings characteristics namely; Window-Wall Ratio (WWR), Recessed Depth (RCD), Shading Ability (SHA), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and Shading Coefficient (SC) will be examined. The results indicated that the values for solar heat gain and shading coefficient are within acceptable limits. Furthermore, the high shading ability of the buildings indicated that RWF might be responsible. Further studies are required to ascertain empirical correlations between the examined characteristics. This further study will potentially improve the design of more energy efficient, low emission and thermally comfortable buildings for the future

Investigation of the direct effects of salmon calcitonin on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Calcitonin has been demonstrated to have chondroprotective effects under pre-clinical settings. It is debated whether this effect is mediated through subchondral-bone, directly on cartilage or both in combination. We investigated possible direct effects of salmon calcitonin on proteoglycans and collagen-type-II synthesis in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Human OA cartilage explants were cultured with salmon calcitonin [100 pM-100 nM]. Direct effects of calcitonin on articular cartilage were evaluated by 1) measurement of proteoglycan synthesis by incorporation of radioactive labeled ³⁵SO₄[5 μCi] 2) quantification of collagen-type-II formation by pro-peptides of collagen type II (PIINP) ELISA, 3) QPCR expression of the calcitonin receptor in OA chondrocytes using four individual primer pairs, 4) activation of the cAMP signaling pathway by EIA and, 5) investigations of metabolic activity by AlamarBlue.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>QPCR analysis and subsequent sequencing confirmed expression of the calcitonin receptor in human chondrocytes. All doses of salmon calcitonin significantly elevated cAMP levels (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). Calcitonin significantly and concentration-dependently [100 pM-100 nM] induced proteoglycan synthesis measured by radioactive ³⁵SO₄incorporation, with a 96% maximal induction at 10 nM (P < 0.001) corresponding to an 80% induction of 100 ng/ml IGF, (P < 0.05). In alignment with calcitonin treatments [100 pM-100 nM] resulted in 35% (P < 0.01) increased PIINP levels.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Calcitonin treatment increased proteoglycan and collagen synthesis in human OA cartilage. In addition to its well-established effect on subchondral bone, calcitonin may prove beneficial to the management of joint diseases through direct effects on chondrocytes.</p

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Identifying metabolic pathways for production of extracellular polymeric substances by the diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus inhabiting sea ice

Diatoms are significant primary producers in sea ice, an ephemeral habitat with steep vertical gradients of temperature and salinity characterizing the ice matrix environment. To cope with the variable and challenging conditions, sea ice diatoms produce polysaccharide-rich extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that play important roles in adhesion, cell protection, ligand binding and as organic carbon sources. Significant differences in EPS concentrations and chemical composition corresponding to temperature and salinity gradients were present in sea ice from the Weddell Sea and Eastern Antarctic regions of the Southern Ocean. To reconstruct the first metabolic pathway for EPS production in diatoms, we exposed Fragilariopsis cylindrus, a key bi-polar diatom species, to simulated sea ice formation. Transcriptome profiling under varying conditions of EPS production identified a significant number of genes and divergent alleles. Their complex differential expression patterns under simulated sea ice formation was aligned with physiological and biochemical properties of the cells, and with field measurements of sea ice EPS characteristics. Thus, the molecular complexity of the EPS pathway suggests metabolic plasticity in F. cylindrus is required to cope with the challenging conditions of the highly variable and extreme sea ice habitat

Elastic caching solutions for content dissemination services elastic caching solutions for content dissemination services of ip-based internet technologies prospective

© 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. The Information-Centric Networking (ICN) provides a new data dissemination Internet paradigm to support the communication services that will meet the end-users’ modern requirements. ICN focuses on transmitting data rather than physical locations. It offers a cache-able environment to fulfill future requirements and delivers communication services with less congestion and bandwidth in a network. The current Internet needs to enhance its architectural design for information distribution by reducing the end-to-end communication practices. ICN-based architecture aims to fulfill the end-users’ requirements and provide a better communication system compared to the current Internet system. ICN implements in-network caching (storage) to facilitate unicast and multicast mechanisms at the same time to deploy efficient and appropriate transmission of the desired information. In this situation, temporary storage is deployed all over the network to serve the requested objects (contents). In the last few years, ICN has shown up as engineering to replace the Internet design. In this paper, a comprehensive study about ICN-based caching mechanisms to enhance the IP-based Internet technologies is presented and analyzes the possible benefits using caching with the Internet of Things, Blockchain, Software Defined Network, 5G, genomic data sets, fog, and edge computing. In the end, the ICN-based caching strategies are mentioned that provide a diverse solution to deal with IP-based Internet technologies in an efficient way to deliver fast data dissemination

Authentication and characterisation of a new oesophageal adenocarcinoma cell line: MFD-1.

New biological tools are required to understand the functional significance of genetic events revealed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) studies in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). The MFD-1 cell line was isolated from a 55-year-old male with OAC without recombinant-DNA transformation. Somatic genetic variations from MFD-1, tumour, normal oesophagus, and leucocytes were analysed with SNP6. WGS was performed in tumour and leucocytes. RNAseq was performed in MFD-1, and two classic OAC cell lines FLO1 and OE33. Transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) was performed in MFD-1, OE33, and non-neoplastic HET1A cells. Functional studies were performed. MFD-1 had a high SNP genotype concordance with matched germline/tumour. Parental tumour and MFD-1 carried four somatically acquired mutations in three recurrent mutated genes in OAC: TP53, ABCB1 and SEMA5A, not present in FLO-1 or OE33. MFD-1 displayed high expression of epithelial and glandular markers and a unique fingerprint of open chromatin. MFD-1 was tumorigenic in SCID mouse and proliferative and invasive in 3D cultures. The clinical utility of whole genome sequencing projects will be delivered using accurate model systems to develop molecular-phenotype therapeutics. We have described the first such system to arise from the oesophageal International Cancer Genome Consortium project.Cancer Research UK, Medical Research CouncilThis is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Nature Publishing Group via http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep3241

Multicentre cohort study to define and validate pathological assessment of response to neoadjuvant therapy in oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: This multicentre cohort study sought to define a robust pathological indicator of clinically meaningful response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in oesophageal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 11 UK upper gastrointestinal cancer centres to determine the use of assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Records of consecutive patients undergoing oesophagogastric resection at seven centres between January 2000 and December 2013 were reviewed. Pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was assessed using the Mandard Tumour Regression Grade (TRG) and lymph node downstaging. RESULTS: TRG (8 of 11 centres) was the most widely used system to assess response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but there was discordance on how it was used in practice. Of 1392 patients, 1293 had TRG assessment; data were available for clinical and pathological nodal status (cN and pN) in 981 patients, and TRG, cN and pN in 885. There was a significant difference in survival between responders (TRG 1–2; median overall survival (OS) not reached) and non-responders (TRG 3–5; median OS 2·22 (95 per cent c.i. 1·94 to 2·51) years; P < 0·001); the hazard ratio was 2·46 (95 per cent c.i. 1·22 to 4·95; P = 0·012). Among local non-responders, the presence of lymph node downstaging was associated with significantly improved OS compared with that of patients without lymph node downstaging (median OS not reached versus 1·92 (1·68 to 2·16) years; P < 0·001). CONCLUSION: A clinically meaningful local response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was restricted to the small minority of patients (14·8 per cent) with TRG 1–2. Among local non-responders, a subset of patients (21·3 per cent) derived benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy by lymph node downstaging and their survival mirrored that of local responders