Concept of plant genetic engineering towards food security in Africa

Modern biotechnology tools are paramount for improved and sustainable agriculture aimed at achieving food security in Africa. The continent is continually faced with the challenge of providing for its increasingly growing population amongst rapidly diminishing resources and inevitable interferences of environmental biotic and abiotic factors. It is therefore pertinent to leverage on technologies that have aided developed countries of the world to attain self-reliance. Efforts to create positive public opinion and thus alleviate fear associated with biotechnology products and GM crops require a comprehensive understanding of the concept of plant genetic engineering. This review highlights the basic concept of genetic engineering and measures taken to ensure its safety to life and the environment.Keywords: Genetic engineering, GMO, Transgenic, Agrobacterium, Particle bombardmen

Understanding the concept and challenges of palliative care medicine: a review of a centre in a tertiary hospital in South- East Nigeria

Background: Palliative care aims to provide and maintain the highest possible quality of life and not necessarily to cure, as long as life remains. This aspect of clinical medicine has been largely under-emphasized in Nigeria. Much emphasis has not been placed on palliative care in the health care curricula. Hence, health care givers focus more on cure, and many lack the knowledge of palliative care. Aim: This article aimed at briefly explaining the principles of palliative medicine and the challenges faced since its establishment at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. Methods: Literature review was conducted using HINARI and Google search engines. Publications on palliative care were identified using relevant keywords. Challenges encountered rendering palliative care in a tertiary hospital were enumerated and discussed. Results: There is knowledge and attitude gap with urgent need for manpower development in palliative care in our environment. Financial constraints, need for home visits and hospice were other challenges encountered. Conclusion: Palliative care medicine is an emerging area of medicine in Abia state and Nigeria. Thus, it is important that health care givers are aware and apply the principles of palliative care in practice.Key words: Palliative care, pain control, hospice, spirituality, cancer, end-stage organ diseas

Vector backbone integration in transgenic cassava is significantly correlated to T-DNA copy number

Multiple T-DNA integrations often occur with transgenic technology, resulting in complex integration patterns and transgene silencing. This study, investigates the correlation coefficient of T-DNA copy number on vector backbone (VBB) integration in transgenic cassava using Dot blot and PCR analysis. Thirty-nine, fifty-one and thirty-eight transgenic cassava plant lines recovered from transformations of cassava friable embryogenic callus with A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404 independently carrying p8016, p8052, and p900 were randomly selected and evaluated for VBB integration and T-DNA copy number. The occurrences of events with low (1-2) and high (≥ 3) T-DNA copy numbers were correlated with the presence and absence of VBB integration. Seventy-two to ninety-eight percent of VBB-free events were low copy number events while 2 to 28% of same where high copy number events. Correlation coefficient of the data revealed that the number of VBB-free events showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.821, n = 9, p = 0.01) for events with low T-DNA copy number and a significant negative correlation (r = -0.739, n =9, p = 0.02) for high copy number events. This shows that the recovery of events with low T-DNA copy number increases the chances of recovering VBB-free events thereby enhancing the production of quality transgenic events. Key words: Copy number, DsRed, T-DNA, transformation, transgenic cassava, vector backbone integration

Antiulcerative Properties of Cabbage Juice on Indomethacin Induced Ulcer in Albino Rats

Cabbage (Brassica oleracae) is a leafy green biennal plant widely used as spice all over the world. It is usually grown as an annual vegetable crop and is available in various shades of green, as well as purple varieties. When cabbage is shredded and blended, it gives pure cabbage juice. Cabbage juice contains beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber. This present study investigates the antiulcerative properties of cabbage juice on indomethacin- induced ulcer in adult wister rats. A total of twenty – five (25) male albino rats weighing between 120g – 160g was used for this study and were randomly selected into five (5) groups of six (6) rats per group.Gastric ulceration was induced in the animals by oral administration of 30mg/kg of indomethacin in all the groups of animals after fasting them for 24hours. they were deprived of food but had free access to water 24 hours prior to ulcer induction. Various degrees of ulceration have manifested in four hours after indomethacin administration. The animals were anaesthetized using diethylether and stomach was incised along the greater curvature and ulceration were scored. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 16) software package. The result shows that Brassica oleracae juice had a more significant healing effect at 750mg/kg than the other treated groups when compared with control, , this healing effect of the extract is as a result of the nutritional constituent (L-glutamine, S-methylmethionine, gefarnate and L-arginine).&nbsp

The Impact of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: A Review

Background: Telemedicine practice is a rapidly evolving aspect of medicine in developed countries, though resource-limited countries like Nigeria are yet to embrace it fully. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited patients’ visits to hospitals in addition to the social distancing measures deployed by the government. In addition, with the challenges of a limited number of doctors, among other difficulties, it has become important that a radical approach to patient care and treatment should be explored. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of original articles was done using an internet search. Words such as Telemedicine, COVID-19, Pandemic, Requirements, History, Benefits, and Challenges were searched on Google scholar, EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, Web MD, and Scopus to check for various articles published or any probable link. The references of the relevant articles were searched. Results: The practice of telemedicine has evolved over the years. Also, the global telemedicine market has grown exponentially and is expected to grow even further in the next five years. Unfortunately, this exciting narrative is not obtainable in developing countries like Nigeria. Indeed, some healthcare providers in Nigeria need to prepare for this new technological advancement, and consequently, they struggle to evolve their practice to adopt this new technology. Furthermore, there is disinterest from most of the end users, particularly the patients. Conclusion: Modifications must involve telemedicine services with a view of getting ready and well-organized in the event of any future pandemic such as COVID-19, in addition to harnessing the benefits of this service in the future

Morphometric study of cephalo-facial indices among Bini children in southern Nigeria

Cephalometry is an important branch of anthropometry which involves the morphological study of structures present in the human head or scientific measurement of the dimensions of the head. Some of the most important cephalometric parameters include the length/height and breadth/width of the head, the face and the nose as well as their respective indices. These cephalometric parameters are vital in the description of variation which is a common phenomenon that characterizes human physiognomy. They are also useful in the description of human inter-racial and intra-racial  similarities both within and across gender. This study involved 450 Bini children (235 males and 215 females) between ages 5-12 years. The length and width of the head and face of each subject was measured between the appropriate anatomical landmarks using spreading and sliding calipers. The measurements were used to calculate the cephalic and facial indices for each subject. The result showed sexual variation in both cephalic and facial indices among the Bini children with the males having higher values than the females. Also, the result of this study showed that prevalence of brachycephalic head type among both male (51.1%) and female (49.8%) Bini children. The mesoproscopic face type was the most prevalent face type among both male (62.6%) and female (47.4%) Bini children. The cephalo-facial indices are vital in demonstrating similarity and variation in physical morphologies of individuals or group of people of different ethnicity, races, gender and geographical locations. Keywords: Cephalometry, Cephalic index, facial index, Bini children, Nigeri

Assessment of the antiproliferative potential of Cissampelos owariensis (P. Beauv) methanolic extract in Wistar rats

Cissampelos owariensis is a medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic uses.  In this study, the objective was to further assess its antiproliferative potential using cell proliferation and tumor suppressor markers. Solvent extraction of C. owariensis leaves was done using methanol. Twenty (20) male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups 1–4 (n=5) and respectively administered with methanolic extracts of C. owariensis at 0, 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg for 30 days. After treatment, the hepatic tissues were processed and examined histologically and immunohistochemically for cell proliferation (Ki-67) and tumor suppressor (p53) proteins.  Immunoexpression of the proteins was quantified using image-J software, the data analyzed with SPSS version 20 and values compared using t-test and one-way analysis of variance. The histological results showed no significant variation in hepatic histomorphology of treated Groups 2–4 relative to non-treated Group 1. However, the immunohistochemical results showed significant (p< 0.05) down-regulation in Ki-67 protein expression and a concomitant significant (p< 0.05) up-regulation in p53 protein expression in hepatic tissues of treated Groups 2–4 relative to non-treated Group 1.These inverse expression patterns of cell proliferation and tumor suppressor proteins following exposure to methanolic extracts of C. owariensis may suggest the antiproliferative potential of the plant extracts

Arthropod succession on exposed and shaded mammalian carcasses in Nsukka, Nigeria

Ten Wistar rats were used as model to study arthropod succession on carcass under shade and exposed conditions. Carcass decomposition took longer periods under shade than on the exposed site. Four decomposition stages (fresh, bloated, decay and dry) were observed. A total of 164 arthropods were collected belonging to three classes: Insecta, Arachnida and Crustacean. Insects formed 95.12 %, arachnids 1.22 % and crustaceans3.66 %. Large numbers of arthropods were found on the exposed carcass than the shaded carcass. Calliphorids and Sarcophagids were the primary colonizers observed breeding on the carcasses. The most abundant insects include Chrysomya albiceps (13.4 %) and Lucilia serricata (10.37 %). Other dipterans including Muscidae, Phoridae, Sepidae, Fannidae and Anthomyiidae were found during the bloated and decay stages. Families of the coleopterans including; Dermestidae, Silpgidae, Staphylinidae and Histeridae were observed during the bloated to the dry stages and fed on the immature dipterous maggots and carrion remains. Hymenopterans were observed throughout the process of decomposition and played a vital role in carcass decomposition. Other arthropods arrived mostly during the decay stage. Species richness on the carcasses peaked during the decay stage. The rate of decomposition of carcasses is affected by environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and insectabundance. Keywords: Post mortem interval, Carcass decomposition, Insect abundance, Forensic entomolog

Supracondylar and infratubercular processes observed in the humeri of Nigerians

We present the first recorded supracondylar and infratubercular processes of humerus among Nigerians of the West African nation. Morphometrical analyses of 40 humeri (20 left and 20 rights) were conducted. One of the humeri possesses the supracondylar spine which measures 1.6 cm and stands at 100o on the anteromedial surface 5.5 cm above the medial epicondyle and exactly midway between the medial epicondyle and nutrient foramen. We also report the first infratubercular process ever

Serum C-reactive protein levels in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients in southern Nigeria

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of hospitalization and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). C- reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of cardiovascular disease and predictor of mortality in CKD patients. CKD patients with elevated CRP should be identified early with institution of measures to treat cardiovascular risk factors in order to reduce attendant mortality.Aims: Determination of serum CRP levels in CKD patients and associated factors.Methods: This was a case-control study involving 80 consecutive CKD patients and 40 control subjects without CKD. Data obtained from participants included demographics, body mass index (BMI), and aetiology of CKD. Serum CRP levels, albumin, creatinine and lipid profile were determined. Cases and controls were compared. P values <0.05 were taken as significantResults: The mean age of the CKD subjects was 49.09±16.85 years. The median CRP value was significantly higher in the CKD group compared to controls (p=<0.001). Low, average and high cardiovascular event risk according to CRP values were present in 51(63.8%), 13(16.2%) and 16(20%) of the CKD patients respectively. Cardiovascular event risk was significantly higher in CKD subjects (p <0.001). Serum creatinine, BMI, triglyceride and atherogenic index of plasma correlated positively with CRP. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and albumin correlated negatively with CRP. Elevated serum CRP was significantly predicted by low eGFR and high BMI on multivariate analysis.Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease patients have increased cardiovascular event risk. Interventions aimed at reducing weight and treating dyslipidaemia should be instituted early in order to reduce this risk.Keywords: C-reactive protein, chronic kidney disease, Nigeri