A novel anti-inflammatory activity of lysozyme: modulation of serum complement activation.

Lysozyme is an ubiquitous enzyme found in most biological secretions and leukocytes. This study was aimed at investigating its interaction with other inflammatory mediators on mucosa surfaces, particularly the complement system. Lysozyme has been shown in our present study, to inhibit the haemolytic activity of serum complement in a dose-dependent fashion, when tested within the levels present in normal and inflamed breast-milk samples, and other mucosal secretions. This represents a new anti-inflammatory action of lysozyme in relation to the serum complement, and the exact mode of the interaction need further studies

ASSESSMENT OF GRAIN STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFFECTIVE MARKETING IN SUSTAINING FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMME BY TRADERS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Nigerian Food Security Programme is centred on three-tier grain storage with active participation of traders in storage of 85% of grain requirements through the On-Farm Storage Programme. The study assessed grain storage technologies to determine suitable ones for storage and marketing by traders in Southwest Nigeria. A pre-data survey of recommended grain storage technologies was followed by multi- stage sampling of Oyo, Ondo and Ogun States for 120 rural and urban traders. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics at p = 0.05. Traders preferred recommended storage technologies except silo. Only sacks were preferred out of the indigenous storage technologies. Technology attributes and communication factors are essential for use of recommended storage technologies. There is no significant relationship between age (r = 0.86), income (r = 0.78) and use of recommended storage technologies while quantity of grains stored (r = 0.94), years of experience in grain storage (r = 0.93) and educational status (X2 = 9.51) were significantly related.  Rural and urban traders were not significantly different in their levels of use of recommended grain storage technologies (tc = 0.20). Traders’ storage extension through the use of various channels of communication, trainings and adult education programme were recommended. Key words: Recommended technologies, indigenous technologies, determinants, use

A Decision Support System for Information Technology Policy Formulation

The implementation of an effective ICT policy requires the development of material and intellectual resources to support good decision making by humans.   In this paper, we examined and analysed Information Technology (IT) policy development process with a view to developing automated system supporting such process.  The data used for this work were obtained through purposeful interview of five professionals and experts who are familiar with IT policy formulation in Nigerian environment.  Some of the experts had earlier participated in policy design and formulation process at national level.     The Hierarchical Input Process Output (HIPO) model was used to analyse various input (contributions of professionals and experts) and output (agreed resolution of the professionals and experts) of the system.  The information obtained from the experts was represented using rule base techniques.  The overall system was designed using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) and implemented using the Visual Prolog version 7.0.  The metrics used for evaluating the system includes: processing time, decision process efficiency and cost effectiveness.   We compared the result of our system with that of the traditional manual system in use.  Our result showed that the DSS for policy formulation process enhances the decision output significantly when compared to the manual process where no DSS is used.  Moreover, the quality of policy produced by our DSS system is more consistent when compared with the manual process.

An Assessment of the Impact of Disruptive Technologies on the Efficacy of Accounting Practices in Selected South Western States, Nigeria

Advancement in technology has brought intense but healthy competition among professional bodies in Nigeria, especially in the field of accounting. This has systematically transformed the accounting process from a traditional analog to a digital system. It is on this note that this study examined how disruptive technology affects the efficacy of accounting practice in Nigeria. This study employed a survey research method with the use of a structured questionnaire distributed among professional bodies in Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo States, South Western Nigeria. Regression analysis of Ordinary Least Squares coupled with correlation analysis were employed. The results revealed that artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, and the internet of things had a significant positive effect on the controlled variable in Nigeria. The results also revealed that cloud computing had insignificant negative effect on the dependent variable. With the F Statistics (7.113) = 109.747, P = 0.000 < 0.05), the results showed a significantly strong relationship between the controlling and controlled variables. It is, thus, recommended the pivotal need for accounting practitioners to enhance their knowledge of disruptive technologies through training and retraining, and continuous attendance of related workshops organized by the respective professional bodies in Nigeria

Potentials of microorganisms associated with plantain peels in the Lagos metropolis for biodegradation and bioconversion.

The role of microbes in the degradation of plantain derived-wastes and their potential to produce cellulolytic enzymes was assessed. Soil samples of decomposing waste piles were collected from two major plantain markets in the Lagos metropolis and analyzed for physicochemical properties, toxic heavy metal content and microbial populations. Findings revealed that the values of moisture content of the two soils varied between 7.27±0.04 and 8.06±0.19 %. M-12 site had the highest organic matter content of 6.89±0.14 %. A similar pattern was observed for nitrate, phosphate and chloride levels while some heavy metals were also detected in varying and high amounts. The highest viable bacterial counts was 58.0±2.9 x 104 cfu/g at MU and there were no fungi at the site whereas M-12 had a fungal count of 40.0±3.3 x 103 cfu/g. Out of the total of 34 isolates encountered, 8 isolates having maximum cellulase activities were selected for further studies by the primary screening technique. These test organisms were then evaluated by secondary screening for enzyme production. The test organisms were phenotypically and biochemically characterized and identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae spp pneumoniae (2 strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae spp ozaenae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Providencia alcalifaciens, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger respectively. Both the bacteria and moulds were found to be capable of utilizing lignin and cellulosic substrates for growth and for production of cellulolytic enzymes. It is suggested that such microorganisms could be useful in bioconversion of cellulosic substrates like plantain-derived wastes for biotechnological application

Neural and behavioural changes in male periadolescent mice after prolonged nicotine-MDMA treatment

The interaction between MDMA and Nicotine affects multiple brain centres and neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, dopamine and glutamate) involved in motor coordination and cognition. In this study, we have elucidated the effect of prolonged (10 days) MDMA, Nicotine and a combined Nicotine-MDMA treatment on motor-cognitive neural functions. In addition, we have shown the correlation between the observed behavioural change and neural structural changes induced by these treatments in BALB/c mice.We observed that MDMA (2 mg/Kg body weight; subcutaneous) induced a decline in motor function, while Nicotine (2 mg/Kg body weight; subcutaneous) improved motor function in male periadolescent mice. In combined treatment, Nicotine reduced the motor function decline observed in MDMA treatment, thus no significant change in motor function for the combined treatment versus the control. Nicotine or MDMA treatment reduced memory function and altered hippocampal structure. Similarly, a combined Nicotine-MDMA treatment reduced memory function when compared with the control. Ultimately, the metabolic and structural changes in these neural systems were seen to vary for the various forms of treatment. It is noteworthy to mention that a combined treatment increased the rate of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue

Vitamin D3 Receptor Activation Rescued Corticostriatal Neural Activity and Improved Motor-Cognitive Function in −D2R Parkinsonian Mice Model

Background: fourth generation antipsychotics have been implicated in the blockade of calcium signalling through inhibition of dopamine receptive sites on dopaminergic D2 Receptor (D2R). As a result of the abnormal calcium signalling associated with D2R inhibition, changes occur in the motor and memory neural axis leading to the observed behavioural deficits after prolonged haloperidol. Thus, Vitamin D3 receptor (VD3R), a calcium controlling receptor in the striatum can be targeted to relief the neurological symptoms associated with haloperidol (−D2R) induced PD. Aim: This study sets to investigate the role of VD3R activation in vitro and in vivo after haloperidolinduced Dopaminergic (D2R) blockade. In addition, we examined the associated neural activity and behavioural changes in parkinsonian and VDRA intervention mice. Methods: Dopaminergic D2R inhibition was investigated in vitro using Melanocytes isolated from the scale of a Tilapia. In four separate set ups, the cells were cultured in calcium free Ringer’s solution as follows; 300 μM haloperidol, 100 μM VD3, 100 mM calcium chloride and a combination of 300 μM haloperidol and 100 μM VD3. Subsequently, dopaminergic vesicle accumulation and calcium signalling were observed in bright field microscopy using blue and green fluorescence probes. In the second phase, PD was induced in adult BALB/c mice (−D2; n = 8) after 14 days of intraperitoneal haloperidol treatment (10 mg/Kg). A set of n = 4 mice were untreated (−D2) while the other group (n = 4) received 100 mg/Kg of VD3 for 7 days (−D2/+VDR). The control groups (n = 4 each) were treated with normal saline (NS) and VD3 (+VDR) for 14 days. At the end of the treatment phase, the animals were assessed in Rotarod, parallel bar-, cylinder-, Y-Maze-, one trial place recognition- and novel object recognition-(NOR) tests. Neural activity was measured using chronic electrode implants placed in the M1 (motor cortex), CPu (striatum), CA1 (hippocampus) and PFC (prefrontal cortex). Neural activity was compared with the outcomes of behavioural tests for memory and motor functions and data was expressed as mean ± SEM (analysed using ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test, significant level was set at 0.05). Results/Discussion: in vitro outcomes show that VDR increase calcium signalling and reverses the effect of haloperidol; specifically by reducing dopaminergic vesicle accumulation in the cell body. Similarly, in vivo neural recordings suggest an increase in calcium hyperpolarization currents in the CPu and PFC of intervention mice (−D2/+VDR) when compared with the parkinsonian mice (−D2). These animals (−D2/+VDR) also recorded an improvement in spatial working memory and motor function versus the Parkinsonian mice (−D2). These outcomes suggest the role of CPu-PFC corticostriatal outputs in the motor-cognitive decline seen in parkinsonian mice. Similarly, VDRA reduced the neural deficits through restoration of calcium currents (burst activities) in the intervention mice (−D2/+VDR). Conclusion: VDRA treatment reduced the motor-cognitive defects observed in haloperidol induced PD. Our findings suggest the role of VDRA in restoration of calcium currents associated with PFC and CPu corticostriatal outputs seen as burst frequencies in in vivo neural recording

Vitamin D 3 Receptor Activation Rescued Corticostriatal Neural Activity and Improved Motor Function in –D 2 R Tardive Dyskinesia Mice Model

Haloperidol-induced dyskinesia has been linked to a reduction in dopamine activity characterized by the inhibition of dopamine receptive sites on D2-receptor (D2R). As a result of D2R inhibition, calcium-linked neural activity is affected and seen as a decline in motor-cognitive function after prolonged haloperidol use in the treatment of psychotic disorders. In this study, we have elucidated the relationship between haloperidol-induced tardive dyskinesia and the neural activity in motor cortex (M1), basal nucleus (CPu), prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (CA1). Also, we explored the role of Vitamin D3 receptor (VD3R) activation as a therapeutic target in improving motor-cognitive functions in dyskinetic mice. Dyskinesia was induced in adult BALB/c mice after 28 days of haloperidol treatment (10 mg/Kg; intraperitoneal). We established the presence of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in the haloperidol treated mice (−D2) through assessment of the threshold and amplitude of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) for the Limbs (Li) and Orolingual (Ol) area (Li and Ol AIMs). As a confirmatory test, the dyskinetic mice (−D2) showed high global AIMs score when compared with the VD3RA intervention group (−D2/+VDR) for Li and Ol AIMs. Furthermore, in the behavioral tests, the dyskinetic mice exhibited a decrease in latency of fall (LOF; Rotarod-P < 0.05), climbing attempts (Cylinder test; P < 0.05) and latency of Turning (Parallel bar test; LOT-P < 0.05) when compared with the control. The reduced motor function in dyskinetic mice was associated with a decline in CPu-CA1 burst frequencies and an increase in M1-PFC cortical activity. However, after VD3RA intervention (−D2/+VDR), 100 mg/Kg for 7 days, CPu-CA1 burst activity was restored leading to a decrease in abnormal movement, and an increase in motor function. Ultimately, we deduced that VD3RA activation reduced the threshold of abnormal movement in haloperidol induced dyskinesia

Kolaviron was protective against sodium azide (NaN 3 )induced oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex

Kolaviron is a phytochemical isolated from Garcina kola (G. kola); a common oral masticatory agent in Nigeria (West Africa). It is a bioflavonoid used - as an antivi- ral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant - in relieving the symp- toms of several diseases and infections. In this study we have evaluated the neuroprotective and regenerative effect of kolaviron in neurons of the prefrontal cortex (Pfc) before or after exposure to sodium azide (NaN 3 ) induced oxidative stress. Separate groups of animals were treated as follows; kolaviron (200 mg/Kg) for 21 days; kolaviron (200 mg/Kg for21days)followedbyNaN 3 treatment (20 mg/Kg for 5days);NaN 3 treatment (20 mg/Kg for 5 days) followed by kolaviron (200 mg/Kg for 21 days); 1 ml of corn-oil (21 days- vehicle); NaN 3 treatment (20 mg/Kg for 5 days). Exploratory activity associated with Pfc function was assessed in the open field test (OFT) following which the microscopic anatomy of the prefrontal cortex was examined in histology (Haematoxylin and Eosin) and antigen retrieval Immunohis- tochemistry to show astroglia activation (GFAP), neuronal metabolism (NSE), cytoskeleton (NF) and cell cycle dysreg- ulation (p53). Subsequently, we quantified the level of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the brain tissue homogenate as a measure of stress-related glucose metabolism. Kolaviron (Kv) and Kolaviron/NaN 3 treatment caused no prominent change in astroglia density and size while NaN 3 and NaN 3 / Kv induced astroglia activation and scar formation (astrogliosis) in the Pfc when compared with the control. Sim- ilarly, Kolaviron and Kv/NaN 3 did not alter NSE expression (glucose metabolism) while NaN 3 and NaN 3 /Kv treatment increased cortical NSE expression; thus indicating stress related metabolism. Further studies on enzymes of glu- cose metabolism (G6PDH and LDH) showed that NaN 3 increased LDH while kolaviron reduced LDH in the brain tissue homogenate (P<0.001). In addition kolaviron treatment before (P<0.001) or after ( P <0.05) NaN 3 treatment also reduced LDH expression; thus supporting its role in suppression of oxidative stress. Interestingly, NF deposition increased in the Pfc after kolaviron treatment while Kv/NaN 3 showed no sig- nificant change in NF when compared with the control. In furtherance, NaN 3 and NaN 3 /Kv caused a decrease in NF deposition (degeneration). Ultimately, the protective effect of KV administered prior to NaN 3 treatment was confirmed through p53 expression; which was similar to the control. However, NaN 3 and NaN 3 /Kv caused an increase in p53 expression in the Pfc neurons (cell cycle dysregulation). We conclude that kolaviron is not neu- rotoxic when used at 200 mg/Kg BW. Furthermore, 200 mg/Kg of kolaviron administered prior to NaN 3 treatment (Kv/NaN 3 ) was neuroprotective when com- pared with Kolaviron administered after NaN 3 treatment (NaN 3 /Kv). Some of the observed effects of kolaviron administered before NaN 3 treatment includes reduction of astroglia activation, absence of astroglia scars, anti- oxidation (reduced NSE and LDH), prevention of neu- rofilament loss and cell cycle regulatio

Vitamin D 3 Receptor Activation Rescued Corticostriatal Neural Activity and Improved Motor Function in –D 2 R Tardive Dyskinesia Mice Model

Haloperidol-induced dyskinesia has been linked to a reduction in dopamine activity characterized by the inhibition of dopamine receptive sites on D2-receptor (D2R). As a result of D2R inhibition, calcium-linked neural activity is affected and seen as a decline in motor-cognitive function after prolonged haloperidol use in the treatment of psychotic disorders. In this study, we have elucidated the relationship between haloperidol-induced tardive dyskinesia and the neural activity in motor cortex (M1), basal nucleus (CPu), prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (CA1). Also, we explored the role of Vitamin D3 receptor (VD3R) activation as a therapeutic target in improving motor-cognitive functions in dyskinetic mice. Dyskinesia was induced in adult BALB/c mice after 28 days of haloperidol treatment (10 mg/Kg; intraperitoneal). We established the presence of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in the haloperidol treated mice (−D2) through assessment of the threshold and amplitude of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) for the Limbs (Li) and Orolingual (Ol) area (Li and Ol AIMs). As a confirmatory test, the dyskinetic mice (−D2) showed high global AIMs score when compared with the VD3RA intervention group (−D2/+VDR) for Li and Ol AIMs. Furthermore, in the behavioral tests, the dyskinetic mice exhibited a decrease in latency of fall (LOF; Rotarod-P < 0.05), climbing attempts (Cylinder test; P < 0.05) and latency of Turning (Parallel bar test; LOT-P < 0.05) when compared with the control. The reduced motor function in dyskinetic mice was associated with a decline in CPu-CA1 burst frequencies and an increase in M1-PFC cortical activity. However, after VD3RA intervention (−D2/+VDR), 100 mg/Kg for 7 days, CPu-CA1 burst activity was restored leading to a decrease in abnormal movement, and an increase in motor function. Ultimately, we deduced that VD3RA activation reduced the threshold of abnormal movement in haloperidol induced dyskinesia