Dimethoxyflavone isolated from the stem bark of Stereospermum kunthianum possesses antidiarrhoeal activity in rodents

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity of 3, 7, 4/-trihydroxy-3/-(8//-acetoxy-7//-methyloctyl)-5, 6-dimethoxyflavone, a flavonoid isolated from the stem bark of Stereospermum kunthianum. The antidiarrhoeal activity was evaluated using rodent models with diarrhoea. The normal intestinal transit, castor oil-induced intestinal transit and castor oilinduced diarrhoea tests in mice as well as castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation in rats were employed in the study. The animals were pretreated with distilled water (10 ml/kg for mice, 5 ml/kg for rats), dimethoxyflavone (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg), morphine (10 mg/kg), or indomethacin (10 mg/kg) before induction of diarrhoea with castor oil (0.2ml for mice and 2ml for rats). Dimethoxyflavone dose dependently and significantly reduced (P<0.05) castor oil-induced intestinal motility. Its antimotility effect at the dose of 50 mg/kg was higher compared to that of morphine (10 mg/kg). Dimethoxyflavone (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg)caused a delay in the onset of diarrhoea reduction in the number and weight of wet stools and total stools in mice with castor oilinduced diarrhoea compared to the distilled water treated mice. Treatment with dimethoxyflavone (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) did not produce any remarkable effect on castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation in rats and normal intestinal transit in mice. The results indicate that dimethoxyflavone possesses antidiarrhoeal activity due to its intestinal antimotility effect and inhibition of other diarrhoeal pathophysiological processes. In conclusion, dimethoxyflavone reduced the frequency and severity of diarrhoea in the diarrhoeal models studied.Keywords: Dimethoxyflavone, Stereospermum kunthianum, flavonoid, antidiarrhoeal activit

Market Based Capabilities and Results: Inference for Telecommunication Service Businesses in Nigeria

This research is aimed at measuring the effect of market based capabilities on corporate result. The objectives of the study were to determine the relationship between market capabilities and market share, the relationship between information technology and productivity, and the relationship between customer relationship management and brand loyalty. Series of questions were asked using the questionnaire adopted by the research and three hypotheses were proposed and tested in the study. To determine the capabilities and organization performance, a sample of 100 consumers and 50 employees were drawn respectively. The data was analyzed using simple frequency tables, regression analysis and Pearson product moment correlation. Finally, the analysis shows that market capabilities has a large influence on organizational performance in its industry. Based on the above findings, there is need for organizations to recognize their capabilities that will ensure organization performance

DIMETHOXYFLAVONE ISOLATED FROM THE STEM BARK OF STEREOSPERMUM KUNTHIANUM POSSESSES ANTIDIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY IN RODENTS

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity of 3, 7, 4/-trihydroxy-3/-(8//-acetoxy-7//-methyloctyl)-5, 6-dimethoxyflavone, a flavonoid isolated from the stem bark of Stereospermum kunthianum. The antidiarrhoeal activity was evaluated using rodent models with diarrhoea. The normal intestinal transit, castor oil-induced intestinal transit and castor oil-induced diarrhoea tests in mice as well as castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation in rats were employed in the study. The animals were pretreated with distilled water (10 ml/kg for mice, 5 ml/kg for rats), dimethoxyflavone (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg), morphine (10 mg/kg), or indomethacin (10 mg/kg) before induction of diarrhoea with castor oil (0.2ml for mice and 2ml for rats). Dimethoxyflavone dose dependently and significantly reduced (

Survival during times of disruptions: rethinking strategies for enabling business viability in the developing economy

There exists a noticeable void in the literature about strategies that business operators, especially those in highly vulnerable economies, can adapt to sustain their survival and to achieve growth in economically turbulent times. This study investigated strategies that can support the viability and survival of businesses in times of environmental disruptions. The study adopted a qualitative research design that involved the interview of 31 business owners across different sectoral groups including fashion and telecommunication that are operating in Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector. The interview sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. The findings reveal that amid disruptions, the business owners were resilient and established diverse digital strategies that helped them to keep their businesses afloat throughout the time of disruption. This finding contributes to the field of entrepreneurship as it offers practical strategies for supporting business owners during times of disruptions, especially in a developing country context

Antioxidant supplementation for sickle cell disease.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by the presence of an abnormal haemoglobin molecule called haemoglobin S (HbS). When subjected to oxidative stress from low oxygen concentrations, HbS molecules form rigid polymers, giving the red cell the typical sickle shape. Antioxidants have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve outcomes in other diseases associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, it is important to review and synthesize the available evidence on the effect of antioxidants on the clinical outcomes of people with SCD. Objectives To assess the effectiveness and safety of antioxidant supplementation for improving health outcomes in people with SCD. Search methods We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 15 August 2023. Selection criteria We included randomized and quasi‐randomized controlled trials comparing antioxidant supplementation to placebo, other antioxidants, or different doses of antioxidants, in people with SCD. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently extracted data, assessed the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence, and reported according to Cochrane methodological procedures. Main results The review included 1609 participants in 26 studies, with 17 comparisons. We rated 13 studies as having a high risk of bias overall, and 13 studies as having an unclear risk of bias overall due to study limitations. We used GRADE to rate the certainty of evidence. Only eight studies reported on our important outcomes at six months. Vitamin C (1400 mg) plus vitamin E (800 mg) versus placebo Based on evidence from one study in 83 participants, vitamin C (1400 mg) plus vitamin E (800 mg) may not be better than placebo at reducing the frequency of crisis (risk ratio (RR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 2.18), the severity of pain (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.37), or adverse effects (AE), of which the most common were headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhoea, and epigastric pain (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.00). Vitamin C plus vitamin E may increase the risk of SCD‐related complications (acute chest syndrome: RR 2.66, 95% CI 0.77 to 9.13; 1 study, 83 participants), and increase haemoglobin level (median (interquartile range) 90 (81 to 96) g/L versus 93.5 (84 to 105) g/L) (1 study, 83 participants) compared to placebo. However, the evidence for all the above effects is very uncertain. The study did not report on quality of life (QoL) of participants and their caregivers, nor on frequency of hospitalization. Zinc versus placebo Zinc may not be better than placebo at reducing the frequency of crisis at six months (rate ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.29; 1 study, 36 participants; low‐certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether zinc is better than placebo at improving sickle cell‐related complications (complete healing of leg ulcers at six months: RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.60 to 6.72; 1 study, 34 participants; very low‐certainty evidence). Zinc may be better than placebo at increasing haemoglobin level (g/dL) (MD 1.26, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.26; 1 study, 36 participants; low‐certainty evidence). The study did not report on severity of pain, QoL, AE, and frequency of hospitalization. N‐acetylcysteine versus placebo N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) 1200 mg may not be better than placebo at reducing the frequency of crisis in SCD, reported as pain days (rate ratio 0.99 days, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.84; 1 study, 96 participants; low‐certainty evidence). Low‐certainty evidence from one study (96 participants) suggests NAC (1200 mg) may not be better than placebo at reducing the severity of pain (MD 0.17, 95% CI ‐0.53 to 0.87). Compared to placebo, NAC (1200 mg) may not be better at improving physical QoL (MD ‐1.80, 95% CI ‐5.01 to 1.41) and mental QoL (MD 2.00, 95% CI ‐1.45 to 5.45; very low‐certainty evidence), reducing the risk of adverse effects (gastrointestinal complaints, pruritus, or rash) (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.14; low‐certainty evidence), reducing the frequency of hospitalizations (rate ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.38; low‐certainty evidence), and sickle cell‐related complications (RR 5.00, 95% CI 0.25 to 101.48; very low‐certainty evidence), or increasing haemoglobin level (MD ‐0.18 g/dL, 95% CI ‐0.40 to 0.04; low‐certainty evidence). L‐arginine versus placebo L‐arginine may not be better than placebo at reducing the frequency of crisis (monthly pain) (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.95; 1 study, 50 participants; low‐certainty evidence). However, L‐arginine may be better than placebo at reducing the severity of pain (MD ‐1.41, 95% CI ‐1.65 to ‐1.18; 2 studies, 125 participants; low‐certainty evidence). One participant allocated to L‐arginine developed hives during infusion of L‐arginine, another experienced acute clinical deterioration, and a participant in the placebo group had clinically relevant increases in liver function enzymes. The evidence is very uncertain whether L‐arginine is better at reducing the mean number of days in hospital compared to placebo (MD ‐0.85 days, 95% CI ‐1.87 to 0.17; 2 studies, 125 participants; very low‐certainty evidence). Also, L‐arginine may not be better than placebo at increasing haemoglobin level (MD 0.4 g/dL, 95% CI ‐0.50 to 1.3; 2 studies, 106 participants; low‐certainty evidence). No study in this comparison reported on QoL and sickle cell‐related complications. Omega‐3 versus placebo Very low‐certainty evidence shows no evidence of a difference in the risk of adverse effects of omega‐3 compared to placebo (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.48; 1 study, 67 participants). Very low‐certainty evidence suggests that omega‐3 may not be better than placebo at increasing haemoglobin level (MD 0.36 g/L, 95% CI ‐0.21 to 0.93; 1 study, 67 participants). The study did not report on frequency of crisis, severity of pain, QoL, frequency of hospitalization, and sickle cell‐related complications. Authors' conclusions There was inconsistent evidence on all outcomes to draw conclusions on the beneficial and harmful effects of antioxidants. However, L‐arginine may be better than placebo at reducing the severity of pain at six months, and zinc may be better than placebo at increasing haemoglobin level. We are uncertain whether other antioxidants are beneficial for SCD. Larger studies conducted on each comparison would reduce the current uncertainties

Spatial analysis of urban agriculture in the utilization of open spaces in Nigeria

This article is not available on ChesterRepGrowing food in upper- and lower-income countries commands different connotations and dimensions. Urban agriculture (UA) is increasingly an essential urban fabric and a critical enabler of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1 and 2. However, this study analyses the practice of UA in open spaces within the Ilorin metropolis. The study employed the use of primary and secondary data. Questionnaire administration, interview guide, digital cameras, UA survey form, and GPS all sufficed for the instrumentation of the study. The main findings showed that in Ilorin city, 14.34Ha (31.4 percent in the core) of land was dedicated to UA, which could at least help 1500 families escape poverty. Through Average Nearest Neighbour Analysis (ANNA), the spatial analysis revealed that UA sites were clustered and not randomly distributed. Secondly, this study affirmed through mean analysis that vegetables (3.09), maise (2.86), cassava (2.64), millet/sorghum (2.46), and yam (2.31) were the dominant food staples grown in Ilorin UA sites. Lastly, access to land, failed harvest due to pest/disease, price collapse, and adverse weather events were the leading challenges affecting the practice of UA in the Ilorin metropolis. The study then affirms the need for city-level integration of UA to recognise the rights of the urban poor and UA into the land-use plan within the Ilorin metropolis