Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Some Agaricomycetes (Mushroom) Fungi from Kogi State, Central Nigeria

The diversity and distribution of mushroom-forming fungi of the three senatorial zones of Kogi state was studied. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to assess twelve randomly selected plots mapped out across the study area during the rainy and early dry seasons of 2014, 2015 and 2016. Identification of selected mushrooms was done through morphological and molecular characterization. Fungi description was initially based on morphometric characters. For the molecular characterization, rDNA was used in a micro satellite PCR technique using ITS1 and ITS4. Forty wild mushrooms were amplified using genomic DNA isolated from their mycelial culture. The amplified products revealed 450 to 650 base pairs. The molecular data obtained from Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) using microsatellite DNA amplification techniques characterized a total forty wild mushrooms species most of which had 99% similarity with other mushrooms when subjected to blasting. Mushroom sample 14S (Trametes sp) matched 100% Trametes polyzona ascension number JN848329.1 while 2S, S8, 22S, 20S, S3 and S6 mushroom samples have 99% percentage similarities with Daldinia eschscholtzii (KP012909.1), Leiotrametes flavida (KC589131.1), Lentinus squarrosulus (JQ428823.1 1), Lentinus sp. (JQ428823.1 2), Auricularia polytricha (FJ617296.1) and Tricholoma matsutake (MF037408.1) respectively. Furthermore, the result of the molecular analysis and phylogenetic relationship revealed that two (2) new species of mushrooms, never reported were been identified

Effect of oral administration of Fadogia cienkowskii Shweinf. (Rubiaceae) ethanol root extract on some semen parameters, testes, epididymis, liver and kidney of male albino rats

The use of medicinal plants to enhance sexual performance and satisfaction is practiced in many regions of the world. Many of these plants are used with little or no scientific information about their effects on the body including effect on vital sex organs like testes and epididymis. Fadogia cienkowskii is a flowering plant whose roots are used in some communities in Africa for the management of sexual dysfunction and infertility. There is paucity of information however, on its effect on semen quality, gonads, liver and kidney after oral administration, thus the need for this study. Four groups of male albino rats were orally administered with 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/Kg body weight of Fadogia cienkowskii ethanol root extract for 40 days. The rats were humanely euthanized on the 41st day. Blood was collected and processed for serum biochemical analysis, while samples of tissues from the testis, epididymis, liver and kidney were processed for histo-pathological examination. Semen was retrieved from the caudal epididymis and used to determine some semen quality parameters. At 200 mg/kg, the extract significantly increased sperm count and the testes and epididymis histo-architecture did not show any pathology. The serum biochemical parameters of liver and kidney function showed no pathologic alterations; however, the liver and kidney histology showed various degrees of pathological lesions. It was concluded that 70% ethanol root extract of Fadogia cienkowskii increased sperm count at 200 mg/kg dose, not toxic to the testes and epididymis but suggestive of liver and kidney toxicity

Evaluation of Cell Therapy on Exercise Performance and Limb Perfusion in Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 8–12% of Americans over 65 and is associated with a major decline in functional status, increased myocardial infarction and stroke rates, and increased risk of ischemic amputation. Current treatment strategies for claudication have limitations. PACE is an NHLBI-sponsored, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2, exploratory clinical trial designed to assess safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow–derived aldehyde dehydrogenase bright (ALDHbr) cells in PAD patients and to explore associated claudication physiologic mechanisms. METHODS: All participants, randomized 1:1 to receive ALDHbr cells or placebo, underwent bone marrow aspiration and isolation of ALDHbr cells, followed by ten injections into the thigh and calf of the index leg. The co-primary endpoints were: change from baseline to six months in peak walking time (PWT), collateral count, peak hyperemic popliteal flow, and capillary perfusion measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); as well as safety. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients with claudication and infra-inguinal PAD were randomized at nine sites, of which 78 had analyzable data (57 male, 21 female; mean age 66±9 years). The mean differences in the change over six months between study groups for PWT (mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]) (0.9±0.8 minutes; 95% CI −0.6 to 2.5; p=0.238), collateral count (0.9±0.6 arteries; 95% CI −0.2 to 2.1; p=0.116), peak hyperemic popliteal flow (0.0±0.4 mL/sec; 95% CI −0.8 to 0.8; p=0.978), and capillary perfusion (−0.2±0.6%; 95% CI −1.3 to 0.9; p=0.752) were not significant. Additionally, there were no significant differences for the secondary endpoints, including quality of life measures. There were no adverse safety outcomes. Correlative relationships between MRI measures and PWT were not significant. A post-hoc exploratory analysis suggested that ALDHbr cell administration might be associated with an increase in the number of collateral arteries (1.5±0.7; 95% CI 0.1 to 2.9; p=0.047) in participants with completely occluded femoral arteries. CONCLUSIONS: ALDHbr cell administration did not improve PWT or MR outcomes, and the changes in PWT were not associated with the anatomic or physiologic MRI endpoints. Future PAD cell therapy investigational trial design may be informed by new anatomic and perfusion insights