The 14-3-3 (YWHA) Proteins in Mammalian Reproduction

The 14-3-3 (YWHA or Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/Tryptophan 5-Monooxygenase Activation protein) is an acidic and homologous protein family involved in regulation of key biological events including cell cycle, signal transduction and development. They are highly conserved and are expressed ubiquitously across a wide variety of species ranging from plants to animals. Seven isoforms of 14-3-3 exist in mammals, which are encoded by separate genes, have tissue-specific, developmental stage-specific as well as isoform-specific presence and consequences. It is known that these proteins play significant roles in mitosis of mammalian cells and meiosis of amphibians. However, their effects on development and functioning of mammalian gonads and germ cells are not entirely delineated. This paper, for the first time, provides a comprehensive review of the comparative expression, localization/distribution, binding interactions, and importance of the 14-3-3 proteins in gametogenesis and reproduction among multiple female and male mammalian species. Thorough understanding of these proteins in oogenesis and spermatogenesis would help elucidate the physiological basis of fertility in mammals, including humans

Biological Control of Anthracnose Disease of Tomato Using Ethanolic Extracts of Azadirachta Indica and Nicotiana Tabacum

Tomato is a commercially important vegetable throughout the whole world and its availability all the year is grossly affected by anthracnose disease, hence, the need for an effective bio-control that is affordable and user friendly. This study therefore investigated the inhibitory effect of ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica and Tabacum nicotianaon the mycelium growth of fungi associated with anthracnose disease of tomato. Tomatoes that showed black circular lesions with concentric ring and black spores were bought from Aleshinloye market in Ibadan; samples (3×3mm) from the sterilized margin of the lesion were inoculated on potato dextrose agar and observed for mycelium growth for five days. The obtained cultures were then sub cultured to obtain pure cultures which were introduced into healthy tomato fruits to confirm koch’s postulate. The in-vitro antifungal effects of ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica and Nicotiana tabacum on isolated fungus causing anthracnose disease of tomato was investigated using agar dilution method. Based on cultural and microscopic characteristics of conidia, Colletotrichum coccodewas identified as organism causing anthracnose disease of tomato. The antifungal effect of the two ethanol plant extracts revealed that Azadirachta indica had the highest inhibitory effect of (45.00cm) at 100mg/ml and the least effect of (38.00cm) at 50mg/ml. Nicotiana tobacum equally had its highest inhibitory effect of (58.00cm) at 100mg/ml and lowest effect of (40.57cm) at 50mg/ml. This result also showed that Nicotiana tobacum had the highest inhibitory effect on Colletotrichum coccode than Azadirachta indica. Conclusively, the use of Tobacco and Neem plant extracts has antifungal activity against Colletotrichum which is responsible for Anthracnose disease of tomato. The plant could be a veritable and cheaper substitute for conventional drugs since the plant is easily obtainable and the extract can easily be made via a simple process of maceration or infusion

Comparative Study of the in vitro Antioxidant Properties of Methanolic Extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Ageratum conyzoides used in Wound Healing

This study sought to evaluate the potential antioxidative potencies of Chromolaena  odorata and Ageratum conyzoides,  commonly used herbs in Nigeria for wound first aid  and healing. The antioxidant potentials were evaluated by measuring their abilities to scavenge radicals, reduce oxidised iron and quench the formation of lipid peroxides. The findings showed that the extract of Ageratum conyzoides exhibited significantly higher (p<0.05) antioxidant potential than the extract of Chromolaena odorata. The study therefore suggests that Ageratum conyzoides has higher potential for therapeutic value than Chromolaena odorata in terms of antioxidant potential

Biological Control of Anthracnose Disease of Tomato Using Ethanolic Extracts of Azadirachta Indica and Nicotiana Tabacum

Tomato is a commercially important vegetable throughout the whole world and its availability all the year is grossly affected by anthracnose disease, hence, the need for an effective bio-control that is affordable and user friendly. This study therefore investigated the inhibitory effect of ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica and Tabacum nicotianaon the mycelium growth of fungi associated with anthracnose disease of tomato. Tomatoes that showed black circular lesions with concentric ring and black spores were bought from Aleshinloye market in Ibadan; samples (3×3mm) from the sterilized margin of the lesion were inoculated on potato dextrose agar and observed for mycelium growth for five days. The obtained cultures were then sub cultured to obtain pure cultures which were introduced into healthy tomato fruits to confirm koch’s postulate. The in-vitro antifungal effects of ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica and Nicotiana tabacum on isolated fungus causing anthracnose disease of tomato was investigated using agar dilution method. Based on cultural and microscopic characteristics of conidia, Colletotrichum coccodewas identified as organism causing anthracnose disease of tomato. The antifungal effect of the two ethanol plant extracts revealed that Azadirachta indica had the highest inhibitory effect of (45.00cm) at 100mg/ml and the least effect of (38.00cm) at 50mg/ml. Nicotiana tobacum equally had its highest inhibitory effect of (58.00cm) at 100mg/ml and lowest effect of (40.57cm) at 50mg/ml. This result also showed that Nicotiana tobacum had the highest inhibitory effect on Colletotrichum coccode than Azadirachta indica. Conclusively, the use of Tobacco and Neem plant extracts has antifungal activity against Colletotrichum which is responsible for Anthracnose disease of tomato. The plant could be a veritable and cheaper substitute for conventional drugs since the plant is easily obtainable and the extract can easily be made via a simple process of maceration or infusion

Periodic Solution and Stability Behavior for Nonlinear Oscillator Having a Cubic Nonlinearity Time-Delayed

The current paper investigates the dynamics of the dissipative system with a cubic nonlinear time-delayed of the type of the damping Duffing equation. A coupling between the method of the multiple scales and the homotopy perturbation has been utilized to study the complicated dynamic problem. Through this approach, a cubic nonlinear amplitude equation resulted in at the first-order of perturbation; meanwhile, a quintic equation appears at the second-order of perturbation. These equations are combined into one nonlinear quintic Landau equation. The polar form solution is used, and linearized stability configuration is applied to the nonlinear amplitude equation. Also, a second-order approximate solution is achieved. The numerical illustrations showed that the damping, delay coefficient, and time delay play dual roles in the stability behavior. In addition, the nonlinear coefficient plays a destabilizing influence

Facial Palsy and Contemporary Reanimation Surgery: A Short Review

The primary purpose of this mini-review article is to introduce modern issues of reanimation surgeries in patients with facial palsies. Modern methods of reanimation surgeries are discussed for mentioning patients` benefits, and their more satisfactions and hopeful horizons for the future of such cases with facial palsies. Facial paralysis, associated to implementing new reanimation surgery techniques, is presenting new advanced methods of facial nerve palsy reforms, through reanimation surgeries. Facial palsy, which occur by a diversity of reasons, need to be evaluated for their etiologies and prepare a proper surgical plan for their reconstructions. Stroke, trauma, congenital, neoplasia, neurological, immunological, viral infections, and psychological reasons, are some potential causes of patients with facial palsies. Brief reviews were done, based on recent evidences` results in reanimation surgery practices. Due to any of above cited reasons, patients with facial palsies get physically and mentally disturbed and are willing to search ways, for solving their facial distressing problems. Consequently, mentioned patients are eagerly searching means to receive new available promotions to improve their facial palsies. In concluding, patients who undergo reanimation surgeries, if good results of their operations obtained, they will be motivated in gaining self-confidence, self-care, self-respect and therefore getting a cumulative their effective social bond, and raising their quality of life, after reanimation operations.

Brain Evidence in Nursing Research: EEG Methodology

This aim of the mini-review paper is to introduction the bio-physiologic measures of resting state EEG for nursing scientist. Article specifically addresses the emotional domain as clarified by concepts of brain evidence-based nursing research reviewed that the emotion aspect documented a strong link to frontal brain alpha activities asymmetry.  Extensive nursing research has been performed in emotional, behavioral, and/or psychological matters for healthy and unhealthy populations. Evidence-based nursing can transform the way that data is used to improve health and healthcare. One core role of nursing practice is to promote healthy behaviors. Previous researches have shown out that the brain is the main ambassador of behavioral change. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is an efficient tool to study brain-behavior relations. Evidences show that frontal alpha asymmetry is an important marker suggests that EEG is beneficial for assessment emotional capacities and appraises nursing efficiency. The basic resting alpha frontal asymmetry provides a reliable instrument in conducting nursing researches in order to strengthen the quality of nursing. Furthermore, we provide a viewpoint to show progress in the novel research issue probably for clinical applications. To integrate biological measures in order to gain highly accurate and precise advantages of EEG and beneficial assessment of the emotional capacities are suggested. Nursing promotes healthy behaviors including emotional health. Human behavior changes originate in the brain. EEG enables objective and biological insights into the cognitive process. As a foundation, the neuroscience research requires profound knowledge and tools to analyze bio-physiological data. Creating Cross-disciplinary cooperation must be inevitable alliances to advance nursing research

Anti-nutritional Composition, Heavy Metal Content and Mineral Bioavailability of Red Tree Vine (Leea guineensis G. Don) Fruits

Leea guineensis G. Don is an evergreen shrub that has been reported to be important in Nigeria due to its medicinal and nutritional uses. However, there is paucity of documented information on the anti-nutritional composition, heavy metal content and mineral bioavailability of L. guineensis whole fruits. Hence, this study investigated the essential minerals, heavy metals and anti-nutritional compositions of L. guineensis whole fruits with a view to assess the quantity, bioavailability of the mineral elements and ultimately the safety of the fruits using standard analytical procedures. The results of phytochemical screening confirmed presence of secondary metabolites in varying quantities. The anti-nutrient contents (mg/100g) were phytates (29530); oxalates (510); saponins (10333); alkaloids (30533) and tannins (53.3). The results of mineral analysis revealed that L. guineensis fruits were rich in essential minerals (mg/100g) like, potassium (493); calcium (200); magnesium (103.3); phosphorus (9.9); zinc (8.5); manganese (5.5) and iron (5.0). The heavy metals concentrations were in the order lead>chromium>nickel>cobalt>cadmium. The values obtained were within the WHO permissible limits for heavy metals in medicinal plants. Meanwhile, the results of molar ratio phytates: Ca (8.97); oxalates: Ca (0.7978) and Ca.phytates:Zn (0.64) were below the suggested critical values indicating the bioavailability of calcium to be high. While phytates: Fe (501.06) and phytates: Zn (348.22) were higher than the critical values indicating poor bioavailability of Fe and Zn. The study therefore suggests that L. guineensis fruits are a good source of phyto-minerals which can be harnessed for nutritional purpose. Also, the anti-nutrient contents in L. guineensis whole fruits should be reduced to a safe level through processing methods (soaking, de-pulping or fermentation) in order to achieve its optimum nutritional or medicinal use

Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Variations in Raw and Cooked Dried Fruit of Xylopia aethiopica

Most plant products undergo one or more different thermal processes before consumption despite the claims that cooking fruits and vegetables could have detrimental effects on the beneficial properties of the plants. This work investigated the changes in antioxidant status occurring in dried fruit of Xylopia aethiopica subjected to cooking at different temperatures. The analyses were performed on both raw and boiled samples to assess the total phenolic contents (TPCs) and the antioxidant potential through reduction of ferric chloride salt and bleaching of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons by Tukey-Kramer test at p < 0.05. There was a significant heat-trend difference between the phenolic contents of the samples at the selected temperatures with the highest TPC recorded at 70°C. Similarly, the ferric reducing potentials of the cooked samples were significantly different (p <0.05) from the raw. However, uncooked samples had significantly (p <0.05) higher percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to cooked samples. The overall effect of cooking the dried fruit of X. aethiopica was due to an elevation in total phenolics concentrations and reducing potentials of the aqueous infusions. However, boiling decreases the DPPH radical scavenging ability of the samples. Therefore, this study suggests an optimum cooking temperature of 70°C which could result in the highest retention of phenolic contents and ferric reducing potentials in the fruit of X. aethiopica and lowest appropriate temperature to conserve its intrinsic radical-scavenging activity in order to assure a higher quality food for the maintenance of human health. Moreover, losses in the phenolic contents and antioxidant potential should be considered when the procedural temperature during processing is unalterable

Critical COVID-19 Pneumonia with Acute Respiratory Failure in a Healthy 12-year-old Girl

We present an otherwise healthy, fully immunized 12-year-old girl who was transferred intubated and ventilated to our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with fever, cough, and acute respiratory failure. The epidemiologic history was positive for COVID-19, and, furthermore, she tested PCR positive resulting from a nasopharyngeal swab. CT of the thorax revealed bilateral consolidation with the tree-in-bud signs. Her condition required artificial ventilation support for 13 days. Remdesivir, pronation, high dose Ascorbic acid with Thiamine, and combined antimicrobial therapy were successfully used. Our patient made a full clinical recovery. The case demonstrates that even though critical course of COVID-19 infection in children is scarce, it might occur. We hereby would like to share our experience with the medical community