Photon and Fast Neutron Transmission Parameters of Metakaolin Doped Concrete

Radiation-shielding properties of metakaolin doped concrete samples wereinvestigated in this report. The gamma photon mass attenuation coefficientsand exposure buildup factor of the samples were determined theoreticallyusing WinXcom and EXABCal software respectively for the energyrange of 15 keV - 15 MeV and fast neutron removal cross section for theconcrete sample was evaluated. Results indicated that, oxides of silicon,aluminum, calcium and iron determined through the energy dispersiveX-ray fluorescence spectrometric analysis constitute more than 85% ofthe chemical composition of the concrete samples. The oxides contribute85.46, 86.47, 87.55, 88.75, and 86.15 % of the total chemical oxides inMK00, MK05, MK10, MK15, and MK20 respectively. Densities of theprepared MK doped concrete were in the range of 2.575-2.667 g/cm3 .Compressive stress of prepared MK doped concretes increased consistentlywith the curing period for each concrete sample. CS grew from 8.71 -10.63, 8.84 - 10.83, 9.44 - 11.22, 10.89 - 11.53, and 10.76 - 11.43 MPafor MK00, MK05, MK10, MK15, and MK20 respectively as the periodextends from 7 to 28 days. Mass attenuation coefficient decrease steadilywith an increase in energy up to about 0.1 MeV and the decrease becomesmaller beyond this energy with increasing energy for all the mixtures. Fastneutron removal cross section results indicate that MK10 (0.07693 cm-1)has the highest value of ΣR followed by MK15 (0.07628 cm-1) and MK20(0.07537 cm-1) while MK00 (0.07380 cm-1) and MK05 (0.07404 cm-1)have approximately the same value. It was found that MK10 concrete hasthe best gamma radiation and fast neutron shielding ability among the MKdoped concrete under study

Anti-trypanosomal Activity of Bufonidae (Toad) Venom Crude Extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei in Swiss Mice

Trypanosomiasis afflicts about 6 ~ 7 million people globally and to a large extent impedes livestock production in Africa. Naturally, trypanosomal parasites undergo genetic mutation and have developed resistance over a wide range of therapies. The utilization of animals and plants products has presented therapeutic potential for identifying novel anti-trypanosomal drugs. This study evaluated toad venom for anti-trypanosomal potency invivo in Swiss mice. Toads were collected from July to August 2019. The acute oral toxicity and biochemical characterization of the toad venom were determined. The experimental mice were administered various doses (130 mg/kg, 173 mg/kg and 217 mg/kg) of the toad venom crude extract and 0.75 mg/mL of Diamizan Plus standard drug for the treatment of trypanosomiasis, once daily for 3 days. The in-vivo anti-trypanosomal activity was evaluated by a curative test, after infecting the mice with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The pre-patent period was 72 hours before treatment commenced. The overall results showed that trypanosomal load was highest in the control group while the group treated with Diamizan drug had the least trypanosomal load. As such, the mean trypanosomal load in relation to treatments showed a very high significant difference (P0.05) across treatment groups. The over 50% reduction in the trypanosomal load in the 130 mg/kg group in comparison with the control group brings to bare the anti-trypanosomal potency of the toad venom. The anti-trypanosomal activity demonstrated by the toad venom has provided basis for development of new therapeutic agents from different toad species. The study recommends further studies (both in-vivo and invitro) followed by the characterization of the active compounds present in the toad venom responsible for the anti-tyrpanosomal activity observed alongside the management and conservation of these species

Composition and Distribution of Mosquito Vectors in a Peri-Urban Community Surrounding an Institution of Learning in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria

Vector surveillance is very key in solving mosquito-borne health problems in Nigeria. To this end, the composition and distribution of mosquito vectors in a peri-urban community surrounding an institution of learning in Lafia metropolis, Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria was carried out between December 2016 and June 2017. The Prokopack Aspirator was used to collect indoor resting mosquitoes between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. from 30 randomly selected houses. Mosquitoes collected were knocked down and transferred into a well labelled petri-dish and taken to the laboratory for processing. A total of 664 mosquitoes were collected which spread across Culex quinquefasciatus 572 (86.14%), Anopheles gambiae 88 (13.25%) and Aedes aegypti 4 (0.60%). The abundance of mosquitoes in relation to seasons, species, sex, abdominal conditions as well as transmission indices across seasons significantly varied (P 0.05). The inhabitants of the area should ensure that all drainages flow through so as to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Also, members of the community should always protect themselves by sleeping under insecticide treated bed nets

Differential Expression of miRNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Comparison of Paired Tumor Tissue and Adjacent Normal Mucosa Using High-Throughput Sequencing

We present the results of a global study of dysregulated miRNAs in paired samples of normal mucosa and tumor from eight patients with colorectal cancer. Although there is existing data of miRNA contribution to colorectal tumorigenesis, these studies are typically small to medium scale studies of cell lines or non-paired tumor samples. The present study is to our knowledge unique in two respects. Firstly, the normal and adjacent tumor tissue samples are paired, thus taking into account the baseline differences between individuals when testing for differential expression. Secondly, we use high-throughput sequencing, thus enabling a comprehensive survey of all miRNAs expressed in the tissues. We use Illumina sequencing technology to perform sequencing and two different tools to statistically test for differences in read counts per gene between samples: edgeR when using the pair information and DESeq when ignoring this information, i.e., treating tumor and normal samples as independent groups. We identify 37 miRNAs that are significantly dysregulated in both statistical approaches, 19 down-regulated and 18 up-regulated. Some of these miRNAs are previously published as potential regulators in colorectal adenocarcinomas such as miR-1, miR-96 and miR-145. Our comprehensive survey of differentially expressed miRNAs thus confirms some existing findings. We have also discovered 16 dysregulated miRNAs, which to our knowledge have not previously been associated with colorectal carcinogenesis: the following significantly down-regulated miR-490-3p, -628-3p/-5p, -1297, -3151, -3163, -3622a-5p, -3656 and the up-regulated miR-105, -549, -1269, -1827, -3144-3p, -3177, -3180-3p, -4326. Although the study is preliminary with only eight patients included, we believe the results add to the present knowledge on miRNA dysregulation in colorectal carcinogenesis. As such the results would serve as a robust training set for validation of potential biomarkers in a larger cohort study. Finally, we also present data supporting the hypothesis that there are differences in miRNA expression between adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors of the colon

The multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene polymorphism G-rs3789243-A is not associated with disease susceptibility in Norwegian patients with colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer; a case control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Smoking, dietary factors, and alcohol consumption are known life style factors contributing to gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. Genetic variations in carcinogen handling may affect cancer risk. The multidrug resistance 1(<it>MDR1/ABCB1</it>) gene encodes the transport protein P-glycoprotein (a phase III xenobiotic transporter). P-glycoprotein is present in the intestinal mucosal lining and restricts absorption of certain carcinogens, among these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Moreover, P-glycoprotein transports various endogenous substrates such as cytokines and chemokines involved in inflammation, and may thereby affect the risk of malignity. Hence, genetic variations that modify the function of P-glycoprotein may be associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We have previously found an association between the <it>MDR1 </it>intron 3 G-rs3789243-A polymorphism and the risk of CRC in a Danish study population. The aim of this study was to investigate if this <it>MDR1 </it>polymorphism was associated with risk of colorectal adenoma (CA) and CRC in the Norwegian population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using a case-control design, the association between the <it>MDR1 </it>intron 3 G-rs3789243-A polymorphism and the risk of colorectal carcinomas and adenomas in the Norwegian population was assessed in 167 carcinomas, 990 adenomas, and 400 controls. Genotypes were determined by allelic discrimination. Odds ratio (OR) and 95 confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated by binary logistic regression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No association was found between the <it>MDR1 </it>polymorphism (G-rs3789243-A) and colorectal adenomas or cancer. Carriers of the variant allele of MDR1 intron 3 had odds ratios (95% CI) of 0.97 (0.72–1.29) for developing adenomas, and 0.70 (0.41–1.21) for colorectal cancer, respectively, compared to homozygous wild type carriers.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The <it>MDR1 </it>intron 3 (G-rs3789243-A) polymorphism was not associated with a risk of colorectal adenomas or carcinomas in the present Norwegian study group. Thus, this <it>MDR1 </it>polymorphism does not seem to play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis in this population.</p

The Transcription Factor SOX18 Regulates the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 and Guidance Molecules in Human Endothelial Cells

Mutations in the transcription factor SOX18 are responsible for specific cardiovascular defects in humans and mice. In order to gain insight into the molecular basis of its action, we identified target genes of SOX18 and analyzed one, MMP7, in detail.SOX18 was expressed in HUVEC using a recombinant adenoviral vector and the altered gene expression profile was analyzed using microarrays. Expression of several regulated candidate SOX18 target genes was verified by real-time PCR. Knock-down of SOX18 using RNA interference was then used to confirm the effect of the transcription factor on selected genes that included the guidance molecules ephrin B2 and semaphorin 3G. One gene, MMP7, was chosen for further analysis, including detailed promoter studies using reporter gene assays, electrophoretic mobility shift analysis and chromatin-immunoprecipitation, revealing that it responds directly to SOX18. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the co-expression of SOX18 and MMP7 in blood vessels of human skin.The identification of MMP7 as a direct SOX18 target gene as well as other potential candidates including guidance molecules provides a molecular basis for the proposed function of this transcription factor in the regulation of vessel formation

Chronic NMDA administration to rats increases brain pro-apoptotic factors while decreasing anti-Apoptotic factors and causes cell death

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chronic <it>N</it>-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) administration to rats is reported to increase arachidonic acid signaling and upregulate neuroinflammatory markers in rat brain. These changes may damage brain cells. In this study, we determined if chronic NMDA administration (25 mg/kg i.p., 21 days) to rats would alter expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic factors in frontal cortex, compared with vehicle control.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using real time RT-PCR and Western blotting, chronic NMDA administration was shown to decrease mRNA and protein levels of anti-apoptotic markers Bcl-2 and BDNF, and of their transcription factor phospho-CREB in the cortex. Expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, Bad, and 14-3-3ζ was increased, as well as Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining, a marker of neuronal loss.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This alteration in the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic factors by chronic NMDA receptor activation in this animal model may contribute to neuronal loss, and further suggests that the model can be used to examine multiple processes involved in excitotoxicity.</p

Effect of Crayfish (Procombarus clarkia) Supplementation on the Quality of Cookies from Wheat Flour

The utilization of composite flour from wheat and crayfish in the production of cookies was investigated. The wheat and crayfish flour were blended at the ratios of 100:0, 97.5:2.5, 95:5, 92.5:7.5, and 90:10, respectively. The cookies were evaluated for their proximate, minerals, physical and Sensory properties; The results of the proximate analysis showed an increase in the protein content (7.88-38.94%), moisture (4.61-6.27%), fiber (1.95-3.65%) and fat (0.98-3.11%) as the level of crayfish flour increased while there was a decrease in the carbohydrate content (77.94-40.45%) as the level of crayfish flour increased. The ash content ranged from 5.77 to 7.89%. The mineral compositions showed an increased trend in calcium, potassium, and sodium contents of the cookies as the crayfish supplementation increased but decreased phosphorus content as the level of crayfish supplementation increased. Iron ranged from 4.70-to 5.20. The calcium, potassium, iron, sodium and phosphorus ranged from 5.35-6.60 mg/100g, 650-930 mg/100g, 4.75-5.20 mg/100g, 670-870 mg/100g and 1577-23420 mg/100g respectively. The cookies' weight, diameter, and thickness decreased as the level of crayfish supplementation increased. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) difference observed in the appearance, flavor, taste, texture, crispness, and general acceptability of the cookies. Taste panel scores indicate that up to 10% addition of crayfish flour was acceptable in cookie preparation.&nbsp;&nbsp

Effects of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seed Flour Addition on the Quality of Wheat Bread

The effects of pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed flour addition to wheat based bread was studied. Matured, ripen pawpaw fruits were washed, and the seeds were collected, extracted, dried and milled. Different proportions of wheat and pawpaw seed flour with increasing level of pawpaw seed flour at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% addition in wheat were prepared. Control sample was 100% wheat flour and its bread. The functional properties of the flours of wheat and pawpaw seed were determined. The proximate composition (breads and pawpaw seed flour), vitamins content and sensory attributes of the bread samples were determined using standard procedures. The GENSTAT Statistical Software (version 17.0) was used for data analyses. The Data obtained showed an increased oil absorption capacity (0.62-1.23 g/g), foaming capacity (14.54-19.88%) and a decreased water absorption capacity (1.88-1.35 g/g) and bulk density (0.78-0.41 g/cm3) with increased pawpaw seed flour addition. The proximate composition of the bread samples showed significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in moisture (23.80-30.83%), ash (0.78-3.00%), crude fibre (0.58-1.48%), crude fat (2.20-9.68%) and crude protein (11.46-17.71%) but decrease in carbohydrate (61.19-37.31%) contents with increased pawpaw seed flour addition. The pawpaw seed flour showed proximate composition of 8.15% moisture, 7.46% ash, 5.44% crude fibre, 25.41% crude fat, 28.18% crude protein and 25.38% carbohydrate. Vitamin C (0.57-12.95 mg/100 g) and pro-vitamin A (0.26-7.37 µg/100 g) significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased with increased pawpaw seed flour percentage while Vitamin B3 decreased with increased addition. Appearance and taste panel scores indicated that up to 5% addition of pawpaw seed flour was acceptable in bread formulation

Physico-chemical and Sensory Properties of Bread Prepared from Wheat and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Flour, Starch and Non-Starch Residue Flour) Blends

Bread was produced from wheat (Trititum spp) orange flesh sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) flour, starch and non-starch residue blends. The orange-fleshed sweet potatoes were washed, peeled, sliced, dried and milled to flour. The starch and non-starch residue were also produced from the orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. Different proportions of wheat and flour, wheat and starch and wheat and non-starch residue of orange-fleshed sweet potato with increasing level of orange-fleshed sweet potato at 10, 20, 30 and 40% addition in wheat were prepared. Control samples were 100% wheat flour (A0), 100% orange-fleshed sweet potato flour (A1), 100% orange-fleshed sweet potato starch (B1) and 100% orange-fleshed sweet potato non-starch residue (C1). Breads from these different proportions were formulated. The proximate, mineral, vitamin, physical properties and sensory attributes of the bread samples and their composites were determined. The GENSTAT Statistical Software (version 17.0) was used for data analyses. The Proximate compositions of the bread ranges as follows; moisture 26.30-36.21%, protein 0.85-7.89%, fat 6.33-8.93%, fiber 0.82-4.92%, ash 0.56-2.11% and carbohydrates 41.26-64.84%. The physical properties of the breads ranged from 210.60-254.00 g, 0.05-2.40 mm, 317.60-440.60 cm3 and 1.25-2.10 for loaf weight, oven spring, loaf volume and specific volume respectively. Mineral and vitamin composition for breads samples ranged respectively thus for calcium 18.45-33.21 zinc 0.92-6.27, magnesium 0.28-19.33, phosphorus 31.00-319.60 and potassium 56.30-352.60, vitamin B1, 0.10-0.37, vitamin B2, 0.07-1.23, vitamin B6, 0.09-1.25, vitamin B12 0.04-1.13 mg/100 g, vitamin C 0.12-14.17 mg/100 g and vitamin A 0.00-8193 µg/100 g.The sensory evaluation results indicated that up to 20% substitution of wheat flour with orange-fleshed sweet potato flour, starch and non-starch residue flours was acceptable in bread formulation