Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, translocation of Ca2+ signalling complexes and regulation of migration in pancreatic cancer cells

The high mortality of pancreatic cancer is predominantly caused by tumour metastasis. The formation of metastases is dependent on the co-ordinated processes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration and invasion. The importance of Ca2+ signalling in the formation of metastasis in a number of cancer types has been documented. However, our understanding of the Ca2+ signalling components involved in the metastatic dissemination of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, specifically PANC-1) is limited. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channels are the important Ca2+ signalling mechanisms in this cell type. IP3Rs are Ca2+-releasing channels in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). After Ca2+ release via IP3Rs, restoring of ER Ca2+ involves SOCE mediated by STIM1, which activates PM Ca2+ channels Orai1 to permit Ca2+ influx. This process of Ca2+ influx takes place in unique structures – ER-PM junctions. The goal of the present study was to determine and characterise the fate of IP3Rs and STIM1-competent ER-PM junctions during EMT and the significance of these Ca2+ signalling mechanisms for PANC-1 cell migration. In the present study, I demonstrated that during EMT, PANC-1 cells undergo a dramatic morphological change from apical-basal polarity to front-rear polarity. In cellular monolayers IP3Rs are juxtaposed to cell-cell contacts and closely co-positioned with markers of the tight and adherens junctions. When individual cells migrate away from their neighbours, IP3Rs and SOCE-competent ER-PM junctions underwent dramatic redistribution from cell-cell contacts to accumulate preferentially at the leading edge of PANC-1 cells, where they are in close apposition with the components of migratory apparatus (e.g. focal adhesions). I further demonstrated that focal adhesions were closely encompassed by IP3Rs, creating potholes in excitable medium in which Ca2+ released through IP3Rs affects the remodelling and turnover of focal adhesions, which in turn is necessary for cell migration. Finally, I demonstrated that the migration of PANC-1 cells was suppressed by inhibition of IP3Rs and SOCE, indicating that these mechanisms are functionally important for migration. Taken together, I successfully demonstrated that Ca2+ signalling complexes concentrate in the leading edge of migrating PANC-1 cells and regulate focal adhesion turnover in order to control cell adhesion dynamics and forward movement of PANC-1 cells

Anatomical characterization and physicochemical standardization of Gongronema latifolium Benth. (Apocynaceae)

Gongronema latifolium Benth belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Generally, the leaves and stems of G. latifolium are used as medicine and spices for sauces, soups and salads in Southern Nigeria. In view of its medicinal uses, the present study aimed at documenting anatomical characters and physicochemical properties for its standardization. The leaf epidermis, transverse section of the midrib, petiole and stem were prepared using standard procedures. Physicochemical properties of the powdered plant were conducted following standard methods. The leaf epidermal layer revealed anomocytic stomata, calcium oxalate crystals (rosette), uniseriate multicellular trichome (nonglandular). The midrib has an abundantly non glandular trichome with numerous rosette crystals. The percentage extractive values for ethanol, distilled water and petroleum ether in the leaf powder were 16.71±0.53, 13.24±0.71 and 2.08±0.13%, respectively, while that of stem were 12.51±0.15, 10.90±0.53 and 1.10±0.21, respectively. The moisture content and total ash values for the leaf powder were 11.45±0.53 and 9.70±0.17%, respectively while for the stem were 11.07±0.38 and 7.50±0.05, respectively. In the light of frequent consumption and use of G. latifolium as medicine, some of the pharmacognostic standards provided herein may be useful for its proper identification and subsequent compilation in a monograph

Transit, walking and cycling infrastructure and sustainable development in Enugu city, Nigeria.

In a predominantly urban world, people's ability to move within cities is a critical driver of sustainability. The transportation system which constitutes a large percentage of the physical urban environment provides mobility and aid economic sector. However, it contributes to several major environmental pressures including pollution, congestion, accidents, waste accumulation, resources depletion and disruption of nature. While urban population growth and increase in economic activities combine to generate higher demand for transportation services and heighten the problem. How to effectively deal with these imposing threats and simultaneously provide optimal mobility for city dwellers is the backbone of this research. Drawing experiences from developed cities, the study used Achara layout in Enugu as a case study. From observation, surveys and published literature data were collected and analysed qualitatively. The primary data include, physical traffic count, existing road character, traffic infrastructure and demographic statistics. Findings show the extensive sterility of Enugu’s urban infrastructure to motorized traffic and lack of provision for walking and cycling. It recommends strategies for planning and managing the urban environment which recognizes and acknowledged the social, environmental and economic realities. The conclusion demonstrates that cities designed for pedestrians and cyclist are cities designed for people and sustainable development

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING MTN DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

This study examined the corporate social responsibility intervention in the development of digital libraries in the universities of developing countries. It specifically investigated the challenges facing the MTN Foundation Digital Libraries in the universities in Nigeria and strategies that will engender their effective operation. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey design. A questionnaire titled Evaluation of MTNF Digital Libraries Questionnaire (EMTFDLQ) was designed and used for data collection. Responses were analysed using mean scores and percentages which are presented in tables. Findings show that Corporate Social Responsibility has provided vital impetus to the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. However, time allowed for the usage of the digital libraries, low bandwidth, non-allowance of storage device, system break down are challenges affecting the effectiveness and relevance of the digital libraries. At UNN specifically, the highest challenge is inadequate power supply. Repairs of broken down systems, good governance, cordial relationship between staff and users, functional generator, improve bandwidth, provision of more workstations, allowance of storage devices for download, update of database subscription and creation of awareness of the digital libraries are adoptable strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the resources and services of the digital libraries

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING MTN DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

This study examined the corporate social responsibility intervention in the development of digital libraries in the universities of developing countries. It specifically investigated the challenges facing the MTN Foundation Digital Libraries in the universities in Nigeria and strategies that will engender their effective operation. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey design. A questionnaire titled Evaluation of MTNF Digital Libraries Questionnaire (EMTFDLQ) was designed and used for data collection. Responses were analysed using mean scores and percentages which are presented in tables. Findings show that Corporate Social Responsibility has provided vital impetus to the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. However, time allowed for the usage of the digital libraries, low bandwidth, non-allowance of storage device, system break down are challenges affecting the effectiveness and relevance of the digital libraries. At UNN specifically, the highest challenge is inadequate power supply. Repairs of broken down systems, good governance, cordial relationship between staff and users, functional generator, improve bandwidth, provision of more workstations, allowance of storage devices for download, update of database subscription and creation of awareness of the digital libraries are adoptable strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the resources and services of the digital libraries

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING MTN DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

This study examined the corporate social responsibility intervention in the development of digital libraries in the universities of developing countries. It specifically investigated the challenges facing the MTN Foundation Digital Libraries in the universities in Nigeria and strategies that will engender their effective operation. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey design. A questionnaire titled Evaluation of MTNF Digital Libraries Questionnaire (EMTFDLQ) was designed and used for data collection. Responses were analysed using mean scores and percentages which are presented in tables. Findings show that Corporate Social Responsibility has provided vital impetus to the development of digital libraries in Nigeria. However, time allowed for the usage of the digital libraries, low bandwidth, non-allowance of storage device, system break down are challenges affecting the effectiveness and relevance of the digital libraries. At UNN specifically, the highest challenge is inadequate power supply. Repairs of broken down systems, good governance, cordial relationship between staff and users, functional generator, improve bandwidth, provision of more workstations, allowance of storage devices for download, update of database subscription and creation of awareness of the digital libraries are adoptable strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of the resources and services of the digital libraries

EFFECT OF GROUND INSULATION AND FEED STOCK ON PERFORMANCE OF FIXED DOME BIOGAS DIGESTER

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of ground insulation and feedstock on performance of fixed dome biogas digester. To achieve this, six identical fixed dome biogas digesters with volume of 32 liters were designed, constructed and used to carryout anaerobic digestion of three feedstocks namely cow abdominal waste, poultry droppings and 1:1 mixture of cow abdominal waste and poultry droppings. Three digesters were buried underground for insulation while the remaining three kept on the surface uninsulated. The ANOVA result showed that there were significant differences in the slurry temperature, volume of biogas produced and slurry pH respectively at 5% significant levels. The range of pH, Volume of biogas and slurry temperature (ST) in all the digesters with the three feedstocks were 6.987-7.045, 2.342-3.460 liters and 27.975-28.717oC, respectively. The range of values for measured physicochemical parameters  {(Ground insulated digester): (Uninsulated digesters)}  were:  TS{(4.55-5.56: (3.23-4.14)%}, VS{(3.79-4.87): (2.51-3.38)%}, BOD5 {(42.7-60.3): (36.8-54.4)mg/l}, TVC{(6.78E+05-1.09E+06): (5.44E+05-9.82E+05)cfu/ml}, Protein {(1.92-2.26): (1.64-1.86)%}, Ash{( 0.1-0.4): ( 0.1-0.3)%}, Moisture {(93.8-94.62): (95.7-95.91)%}, Fibre {(0.2-0.6): (0.2-0.5)%}, Fat {(0.45-0.8): (0.35-0.65)%},  Carbon {(3.07-4.79): (2.85-4.20)%}, COD {(160 -234.4): (149.6 -213.6)mg/l}, P{(0.22-0.28): (0.18-0.25)%} , K{(0.26-0.32): (0.24-0.29)%}, and Calorific Value {(13860-18552): (12004-17120)kJ/kg}. The total solid, volatile solid, protein contents, crude fat, BOD5, Carbon Content, COD, Phosphorus, Potassium, Total Viable Count and Calorific Value of ground insulated digester were higher than that of uninsulated surface digesters for the three different feedstocks at the end of the 30 days digestion. GC analysis of biogas showed that the percentage compositions of methane produced were 68.39%, 64.33%, 66.41%, 61.79%, 57.74%, and 59.24% for underground with cow abdominal waste, underground with poultry droppings, underground with1:1 mixture of cow abdominal waste and poultry droppings, uninsulated with cow abdominal waste, uninsulated with poultry droppings, and   uninsulated with1:1 mixture of cow abdominal waste and poultry droppings, respectively. The underground insulated biogas digester produced more methane than their counterpart uninsulated digesters containing the same feedstock signifying the importance of temperature regulation through insulation. In terms of the feedstock, the cow abdominal waste performed better than the poultry droppings in both the underground and uninsulated digesters. They mixture of 1:1 Cow abdominal waste to poultry dropping also showed better performance in methane production than the single anaerobic digestion of poultry dropping alone indicating efficiency and importance of co-digestion of feedstocks

Assessment Of Ultrasound Equipment As A Possible Source Of Nosocomial Infection

Background: Nosocomial infections have become an increasingly recognized problem in health facilities and ultrasound equipment can be one of the sources for the spread of these infections. This research is aimed at assessing the role of ultrasound equipment as a possible source of nosocomial infections in radiodiagnostics centers in Anambra state and to identify the type of micro-organism found on the equipment.Method: This research involved swabbing of ultrasound probes (transabdominal and transvaginal probes), ultrasound couches and ultrasound gel, of five radiodiagnosticcentres in Anambra state. A total of thirty-six swab samples were collected aseptically from the surfaces of ultrasound equipment before and after scanning and were taken to the laboratory for culture to isolate any pathogens.Results: The results from this study demonstrated that a number of organisms were found on the ultrasound probes, couches and ultrasound gel. Organisms isolated include aerobic spore formers, staphylococcus aurens, staphycoccocus epidermidis, coliform and a host of other bacteria.Conclusion: Ultrasound equipment is a possible source of nosocomial infection. Although a wide spectrum of micro-organisms are found, the most common micro-organisms found on the ultrasound equipment in this region include; S. aureus, S. epidemidis and pseudomonas aeruginosa

Stromal Cells and Extracellular Vesicles

Stromal cells are stem cells in the bone marrow microenvironment that can ‘talk’ with neighbouring and distant cells within the bone marrow microenvironment. Stromal cells propagate this intercellular communication via cytokines, growth factors as well as small extracellular vesicles. The interaction between stromal cells and the haematopoietic stem cells, is crucial in the regulation of haematopoiesis. Aberration in this regulatory process will lead to the development of various diseases, including cancer. These stromal cells also play important role in the patient’s response to cancer therapy. As a result, these stromal cells may be crucial in the development and metastasis of cancer within the bone marrow microenvironment. In this chapter, we will explore the role of these stromal cells in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis

Organisational Justice and Organisational Citizenship Behaviours among Academic Staff of Private Universities in Southeast Nigeria

The study was carried out to explore the relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior among academic staff of private universities in Southeast Nigeria. The study employed questionnaire for data collection on three selected private universities in Nigeria. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used for data analysis. The results show that there is a significance positive relationship between the organizational justice and the organizational citizenship behaviour. The researcher therefore, recommends possible ways to amend the situation. Key words: Organizational justice, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), Pearson correlation, private university, academic staff and significance factor