Connective tissue, glial and neuronal expressions in testis of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus)

Introduction: This study was carried out to investigate the expression of connective tissue (Collagens I and III), glia and neuronal markers in the testis of the African giant rat using histology and immunohistochemistry techniques. Materials and Methods: Eight (8) apparently healthy wild male African giant rats were used for this experiment, divided into 2 groups (juvenile and adult) of 4 animals each. The testes were harvested following intracardial perfusion of the rats and histology was performed using Haematoxylin-Eosin stain and Mallory-Heideinhain rapid one- step staining for connective tissue. Immunohistochemical identification was achieved using the following antibodies: anti-collagen type I, anti-collagen type III, anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein and anti-p75 nerve growth factor for the expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, astrocyte-like cell and neuronal cells respectively. Photomicrography was achieved using Axioskop® microscope and quantitative data were analyzed using student t-test. Results: The cyto-architecture of the testis was typical in the African giant rat. The connective tissue expressed in the juvenile and adult group, signaling of glial-like cells were seen in the perivascular region across the experimental groups. Immuno-localization of neuronal cells were seen in the interstitial spaces across all the groups, but with more expressions in the juvenile. Conclusion: This work has provided a clear description of the expression of connective tissue, neuronal and glial cells in the testis of the African giant rat and their possible relationships across juvenile and adult groups

Regulation of Tcf7l1 DNA Binding and Protein Stability as Principal Mechanisms of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

SummaryWnt/β-catenin signal transduction requires direct binding of β-catenin to Tcf/Lef proteins, an event that is classically associated with stimulating transcription by recruiting coactivators. This molecular cascade plays critical roles throughout embryonic development and normal postnatal life by affecting stem cell characteristics and tumor formation. Here, we show that this pathway utilizes a fundamentally different mechanism to regulate Tcf7l1 (formerly named Tcf3) activity. β-catenin inactivates Tcf7l1 without a switch to a coactivator complex by removing it from DNA, which leads to Tcf7l1 protein degradation. Mouse genetic experiments demonstrate that Tcf7l1 inactivation is the only required effect of the Tcf7l1-β-catenin interaction. Given the expression of Tcf7l1 in pluripotent embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as in poorly differentiated breast cancer, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of pluripotency and the role of Wnt/β-catenin in breast cancer

Effect of Nitrogen on the Nutritional Quality and Microbial Load of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L)

The effect of nitrogen concentration on the nutritional quality and microbial load of samples of Hibiscus sabdariffa were studied. Samples of calyces harvested from three different nitrogen levels viz; 0 kg N / ha, 30 kg N / ha and 60 kg N / ha were used. Nutritional composition and the microbial counts of the calyces were determined. Highest significantly (P = 0.01) different crude protein and nitrogen value of 12.06% and 1.93 % were obtained from calyces fertilized with 60 kg N / ha. Ascorbic acid content of the calyces increased with increase in nitrogen levels. For the microbial load analysis, there was no significant influence of nitrogen on the microbial load. However, the least bacteria (2.6 x 104 cfu / ml) and fungi (5.68 x 105 cfu / ml) counts were obtained from calyces fertilized with 30 kg N / ha. Therefore, inorganic nitrogen fertilizer of up to 60 kg N / ha can be applied to Roselle plant in order to increase some of the nutritional constituents but should not exceed 30 kg N / ha for the purpose of reduced microbial load

The ameliorative effects of a phenolic derivative of Moringa oleifera leave against vanadium-induced neurotoxicity in mice

Vanadium, a transition series metal released during some industrial activities, induces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Ameliorative effect of a pure compound from the methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, code-named MIMO2, in 14-day old mice administered with vanadium (as sodium metavanadate 3 mg/kg) for 2 weeks was assessed. Results from body weight monitoring, muscular strength, and open field showed slight reduction in body weight and locomotion deficit in vanadium-exposed mice, ameliorated with MIMO2 co-administration. Degeneration of the Purkinje cell layer and neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed in vanadium-exposed mice and both appeared significantly reduced with MIMO2 co-administration. Demyelination involving the midline of the corpus callosum, somatosensory and retrosplenial cortices was also reduced with MIMO2. Microglia activation and astrogliosis observed through immunohistochemistry were also alleviated. Immunohistochemistry for myelin, axons and oligodendrocyte lineage cells were also carried out and showed that in vanadium-treated mice brains, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells increased NG2 immunolabelling with hypertrophy and bushy, ramified appearance of their processes. MIMO2 displayed ameliorative and antioxidative effects in vanadium-induced neurotoxicity in experimental murine species. This is likely the first time MIMO2 is being used in vivo in an animal model

First report on Basidiomycota fungi in sorghum and millet from Southwest Nigeria

Trametes species are mushroom fungi with several biotechnological applications. This includes decolourisation of wastewater from olive mill and elimination of endocrine-disrupting hormones.This study reports the presence of two Trametesspecies, namely Trametespolyzona and Trametesvillosa from the phylumBasidiomycota in sorghum and milletvended inSouthwest Nigeria. These fungal isolates were identified culturally and further identified through phylogenetic characterisation. Trametessp occurred in 10% of sorghum samples and 20% of millet samples. The two species were morphologically similar but distantly related phylogenetically. Most fungal species present in cereal crops belong to the division Ascomycota. However, two Trametesspecies belonging to division Basidiomycota are being reported for the first time in cereal crops.Trametessp can be harnessed for their health benefits such as the treatment of cancer and the reduction of viral activity in humans

Studies on the Serological Markers of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Children in Riyom LGA, North Central Nigeria

Background: Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been identified as one of the most common infectious diseases of major health concern. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among Children in selected communities at Riyom L.G.A. of Plateau State Nigeria. Methodology: Two hundred (200) sera samples were collected from Pupils attending Primary Schools at three locations of study and analyzed using the HBs Ag Monolisa ELISA kit and the HBV-5 panel test for the qualitative assessment of the markers of hepatitis B virus infection in human serum, plasma and whole blood. Result: Overall result from the total samples assayed showed that, 58(29.0%) were seropositive, [{P value of 0.020}: P 0.05]. Gender consideration of subjects screened showed that male subjects had a prevalence of 19.0% compared to 10.0% for Females [{P value of 0.0435}: P 0.05]. while subjects with traditional method of circumcision recorded a higher prevalence of 9.5% [{P value of 0.3120}:P< 0.05].Considering markers for HBV infection, findings showed that the highest rate of positivity recorded with the HBsAg showed 25% among children screened, HBeAg recorded 4.0%. Anti-HBs which indicate antibody to the HBsAg showed 35(17.5%) positivity while, Anti-HBe positivity recorded 15.0%.Similarly, Anti-HBc Positivity showed a record of 13.5% positivity. Conclusion: The result obtained from this study showed a higher prevalence of the Hepatitis B Virus at our locations of study compared to similar studies conducted earlier within our location of study. It is strongly suggested that accurate diagnosis with effective screening of pregnant mothers be intensified, while the need for timely vaccination of children at risk be promptly embarked upon

Rapid progression of prostate cancer in men with a BRCA2 mutation.

Men with BRCA2 mutations have been found to be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. There is a recent report that BRCA2 carriers with prostate cancer have poorer survival than noncarrier prostate cancer patients. In this study, we compared survival of men with a BRCA2 mutation and prostate cancer with that of men with a BRCA1 mutation and prostate cancer. We obtained the age at diagnosis, age at death or current age from 182 men with prostate cancer from families with a BRCA2 mutation and from 119 men with prostate cancer from families with a BRCA1 mutation. The median survival from diagnosis was 4.0 years for men with a BRCA2 mutation vs 8.0 years for men with a BRCA1 mutation, and the difference was highly significant (P&lt;0.01). It may be important to develop targeted chemotherapies to treat prostate cancer in men with a BRCA2 mutation

Rapid progression of prostate cancer in men with a BRCA2 mutation

Men with BRCA2 mutations have been found to be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. There is a recent report that BRCA2 carriers with prostate cancer have poorer survival than noncarrier prostate cancer patients. In this study, we compared survival of men with a BRCA2 mutation and prostate cancer with that of men with a BRCA1 mutation and prostate cancer. We obtained the age at diagnosis, age at death or current age from 182 men with prostate cancer from families with a BRCA2 mutation and from 119 men with prostate cancer from families with a BRCA1 mutation. The median survival from diagnosis was 4.0 years for men with a BRCA2 mutation vs 8.0 years for men with a BRCA1 mutation, and the difference was highly significant (P<0.01). It may be important to develop targeted chemotherapies to treat prostate cancer in men with a BRCA2 mutation