Cell Proliferation and Epithelia Profile in Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) are the leading cause of urinary tract disorders in males both of which are characterized by rapid proliferation of cells. This study characterizes both Ki-67 and E-Cadherin profiles in BPH and PCa biopsies to determine and compare the extent of aggressiveness of cell proliferation in BPH and PCa. Method: Biopsies were collected from patients clinically diagnosed to be suffering from PCa or BPH and were immunohistochemically labelled using Anti-Ki-67 and Anti-ECAD monoclonal antibodies. The sections were treated with urea followed by incubation in a microwave to activate the antigens. Primary antibody treatment was done in biotinylated goat serum, blocking was done with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and finally secondary antibody staining using Anti-Ki- 67 and Anti-ECAD monoclonal antibodies. Results: The expression level of Ki-67 corresponded to the rate of proliferation and size of the tumor cell mass in both PCa and BPH. ECAD expression was highly positive in BPH and less positive in PCa- showing onset of malignancy in PCa. Certain cell clumps (metastases) stained highly positive to Ki-67 and were located at random intervals within the tissue of PCa biopsies, this type of distribution also coincided with ECAD immunonegativity. Conclusion: Ki-67 expression indicates the rate of cell proliferation and the aggressiveness of such tumors, while ECAD shows defective cytoskeleton and extent of malignancy. Correlating ECAD and Ki-67 gives a direct relationship between the rate of cell division, tumor invasion and epithelia structure. This also covers both glandular and fibromuscular epitheliu

Robustness and Security Issues in Digital Audio Watermarking

International audienceDigital watermarking is the process of embedding information into digital media such as image, audio or video data to easily identify the copyright ownership of the media. Such information is for different purposes, such as for broadcast monitoring, copyright protection, source tracking, and piracy deterrence and many others. It is usually embedded in a way that makes it difficult to be removed. There are extensive literatures about watermarking algorithms and methods as well as possible attack techniques. This work used extensive literature review about watermarking to have a high-level overview on new watermarking trends security and robustness issues in order to be able to establish a clear frontier between them. It concludes by discussing possible future research directions

In vivo and in silico toxicity profiling of aerial part of Andrographis paniculata revealed potential to precipitate organs toxicity

The many medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata have made it an important resource in drug discovery. The commonly used powdered aerial part of A. paniculata is however a subject of abuse occasioned by indiscriminate use, raising safety concerns. In this study, we evaluated the safety profile of the suspension of the powdered aerial part of A. paniculata in male and female rats using single and repeated dose toxicity profiling, and the in silico toxicity profiling of its known phytochemicals, with a view to establishing organs safety. Our results showed significant sex dependent alterations in key haematological and biochemical indices. Significant alteration in liver and kidney histo-architectures were consistent with the observed significant increase in AST/ALT ratio and with the in silico toxicity screening of A. paniculata phytochemicals, including andrographolide, which showed potential for hepatotoxicity, binding of proteins and DNA, and inhibition of hERG II. We conclude that, while taking advantage of the many medicinal benefits of this plant, the unguarded and indiscriminate uses may precipitate organ toxicity, induce cellular alteration and potentiate possible cardiovascular risk

An Assessment of the Levels of Heavy Metals, Nitrates and Nitrites in Three Leafy Vegetables from Selected Rural and Urban Markets in Kwara State, Nigeria

The concentration of some heavy metals, nitrates and nitrites in leafy vegetables sold in selected markets in Ilorin and its environment were investigated. Three leafy vegetables (Amaranthus hybridus, Celosia argentea and Corchorus olitorious) were used in this study. The concentration of selected heavy metals (cadmium, lead, copper, zinc and arsenic), nitrates and nitrites in the leaves were analyzed using standard methods and compared with the permissible limits recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)/ WHO Expert Committee on food additives. The concentration of cadmium was significantly higher than the permissible limits (0.20 mg/kg) for all the vegetable types across locations. However, the concentrations of lead, copper, zinc and arsenic which ranged from 0.06 to 0.13 mg/kg, 0.09 to 0.18 mg/kg, 0.05 to 0.16 mg/kg and 0.08 to 0.17 mg/kg were lower than the permissible limits for all the vegetables and in all locations. The concentration of nitrates in the leafy vegetables ranged from 0.09 to 0.37 mg/kg and was within the safe limit (< 3.70 mg/kg) as recommended by (FAO)/WHO Expert Committee on food additives while nitrite was not detected. In conclusion, monitoring of vegetables for toxic heavy metals is essential for food safety in Nigeria. Although lead and arsenic were below safe limits they have the tendency to accumulate to toxic level in consumers. There is the need to increase the essential micronutrient content of soils around the study area given the low concentration of Cu and Zn in the leafy vegetables. Keywords: Food safety, toxicity, micronutrients and concentrations

EFFECT OF BIOCHAR AND NPK FERTILIZER ON GROWTH, BIOMASS YIELD AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF KALE (BRASSICA OLERACEA) IN A DERIVED AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA.

A pot experiment was conducted at Landmark University Teaching and Research Farm Omu-aran, Kwara to evaluate the of kale to different levels of inorganic fertilizer and bio-activator in derived savanna. The investigated treatment (Kale) was subjected into five levels of NPK fertilizer viz: 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg/m2 and 2 levels of biochar (0 and 200 t/ha). These were assigned randomly into four replicates and fitted into a 5 x 2 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design. Data collected on the growth parameters, yield and quality attributes were analyzed using ANOVA. Plants were harvested at eight WAP. Number of leaf and plant height were measured weekly. After harvest, root length, fresh and dry weights were also determined. Results showed that treatment 6, biochar 200 t/ha + NPK 0 kg/m2 (200, 0) has the tallest plant height at week 1, 3, 5 and 6 as well as yield parameters in root length, fresh and dry weights. Treatment 6 also gave the highest value amongst the minerals. Treatment 7, biochar 200 t/ha + NPK 5 kg/m2 (200, 5) has the highest number of leaves at week 2, 4, and 6 after planting. Integration biochar 200 t/ha + NPK 10 kg/m2 (200, 10) is recommended for cropping of kale in the guinea savanna zone of Nigeria

Growth, yield and vitamin C content of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as affected by green biomass of Parkia biglobosa and Tithonia diversifolia

The study was conducted to determine the effect of green biomass of Parkia biglobosa and Tithonia diversifolia on growth, yield and vitamin C content of radish (Raphnus sativus L.). The potential of T. diversifolia as green manure has been discovered by a number of researchers while there is paucity of information and research work on the potentials of P. biglobosa in supplying crop nutrients despite the numerous nutrient compositions contained in the leaves. Both P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia are capable of providing adequate biomass for crop growth and sustainability. The contribution of 10 ton- nes ha-1 tithonia to the growth and yield of radish was comparable to that of NPK while the potentials of parkia at all rates was not fully expressed in the growth and yield due to its slow mineralisation. Combination of varying levels of P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia also contributed to the growth and yield of radish though the effects were not significant. It can therefore be concluded that the use of T. diversifolia at 10 tonnes ha-1 as organic manure is sufficient for the cultivation of radish as it performed similar to application of 200 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer and based on the fact that it is readily available and eco-friendly compared to NPK that is costly and may have adverse effect on the environment

Growth, yield and vitamin C content of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as affected by green biomass of Parkia biglobosa and Tithonia diversifolia

The study was conducted to determine the effect of green biomass of Parkia biglobosa and Tithonia diversifolia on growth, yield and vitamin C content of radish (Raphnus sativus L.). The potential of T. diversifolia as green manure has been discovered by a number of researchers while there is paucity of information and research work on the potentials of P. biglobosa in supplying crop nutrients despite the numerous nutrient compositions contained in the leaves. Both P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia are capable of providing adequate biomass for crop growth and sustainability. The contribution of 10 tonnes ha-1 tithonia to the growth and yield of radish was comparable to that of NPK while the potentials of parkia at all rates was not fully expressed in the growth and yield due to its slow mineralisation. Combination of varying levels of P. biglobosa and T. diversifolia also contributed to the growth and yield of radish though the effects were not significant. It can therefore be concluded that the use of T. diversifolia at 10 tonnes ha-1 as organic manure is sufficient for the cultivation of radish as it performed similar to application of 200 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer and based on the fact that it is readily available and eco-friendly compared to NPK that is costly and may have adverse effect on the environment. Keywords Green biomass � Parkia � Radish � Tithonia � Vitamin C and yiel

Performance, Some Nutrient Elements and Heavy Metals Accumulation in Tomato under Soil Applied Poultry Manure, NPK and ZnSO4 Fertilizers

Two eld experiments were carried out in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara state. e aim was to determine the e ect of single and integrated application of poultry manure (PM), NPK and ZnSO4 fertilizers on the agronomic performance, yield, some nutrient elements and heavy metal content of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) in the derived savannah ecological zone of Nigeria. Treatments consisted of: 150 kg ha-1 NPK + 15 t ha-1 PM + 5 kgha-1 Zn (T1); 150 kg ha-1 NPK + 15 t ha-1 PM (T2); 15 t ha-1 PM + 5 kg ha-1 Zn (T3); 30 t ha-1 PM (T4); 150 kg ha-1 NPK + 5 kg ha-1 Zn (T5); 10 kg ha-1 Zn (T6); 300 kg ha-1 NPK (T7) and control (T8). e contribution of integrated application of PM and NPK at lower rates on growth and yield of tomato was high while application of zinc at higher rate (10 kg ha-1) increased the availability of some nutrient elements and heavy metals of tomato fruits though not beyond the permissible limits as established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) to ensure food safety of the consumers. It can therefore be concluded that application of 150 kg ha-1 NPK + 15 t ha-1 PM + 10 Kg ha-1 Zn is bene cial for tomato production in the study area without any threat to human health

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Assessment of a Topical Formulation Containing Ehretia Cymosa Extract Mediated-Silver Nanoparticles

Background: Silver nanoparticles (SNP) are the most preferred and most often used metallic nanoparticles in biomedical studies. However, there are only few studies on its application in topical drug delivery design. Objectives: This study was carried out to design topical ointments containing n-hexane and methanol Ehretia cymosa leaf extracts mediated-silver nanoparticles for the treatment of inflammation.Methods: Silver nitrate was reacted with n-hexane and methanol extracts of Ehretia cymosa leaf to synthesize SNP&nbsp; used in the formulation of an ointment. The SNP was characterized by visual observation, UV–visible spectroscopy,&nbsp; atomic absorption spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The physical characteristics of the ointment and&nbsp; spreadability were evaluated. Inflammation was inflicted by carrageenan-induced paw acute edema&nbsp; method in albino&nbsp; rats. The linear paw circumference was measured hourly after application of the ointment.Results: There was colour change as the synthesis progresses. The absorption peak of n-hexane SNP (N-SNP) and methanol SNP (M-SNP) was 450 nm and 430 nm respectively. The ointments were easy to administer with satisfactory spreadability but difficult to wash off. Ointments containing SNP had significantly higher activity (p &lt; 0.05) than the crude extract and ointments containing M-SNP had significantly higher activity (p &lt; 0.05) than ointments containing N-SNP.Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory activity of ointment containing SNP synthesized with methanol extract is significantly higher compared to ointment formulations containing silver nanoparticle synthesized with n-hexane extract and the reference drug (diclofenac)

Performance, Phyto-nutritional and Bio-active substances of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annum) in response to Soil Applied Organic and Inorganic Sources of N Fertilizers

Background: Soil health is an important factor for producing a higher yield and obtaining good quality products. Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most important and valuable agricultural inputs for increasing crop production. Objective: Experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in the cropping seasons to determine the performance and nutritional qualities of sweet pepper in response to organic and inorganic sources of N fertilizers. Methods: Ten kilograms (10 kg) capacity black polythene bags were filled with topsoil and were arranged randomly on the field. Treatment combination included: - 0 NPK + 0 PM (T1), 40 NPK + 0 PM (T2), 32 NPK + 8 PM (T3), 24 NPK + 16 PM (T4), 0 NPK + 40 PM (T5), 8 NPK + 32 PM (T6), 16 NPK + 24 PM (T7) and 20 NPK + 20 PM (T8). Experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design and were replicated four times. Vegetative, flowering, and quality parameters were collected and analyzed using the GenStat Discovery, 2014 statistical analysis software. Separation of means was determined by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a probability level of 5%. Results: Results indicated that high rates of an organic source of N fertilizer produced higher values for vegetative and yield parameters, which was similar to the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. There was no significant effect of the sole application and combined organic and inorganic sources of N fertilizer on heavy metals and nitrates accumulation, but their effects were able to increase the values for nitrites above the recommended limits as suggested by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Conclusion: Our results showed that 20 NPK + 20 PM is the best treatment without any health implications in the study area, which also improved the yield and, therefore, can be considered economical