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A Study of Airborne Fungal Spores of Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
Essien,
Benjamin Christopher,
Taiga,
Akpovughaye,
Suleiman,
Mohammed Nasirudeen,
Idachaba,
Stehen Onojo,
Aniama,
Salome Ojone,
Edegbo,
Emmanuel
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2013
Pages:
70-74
Received:
29 October 2013
Published:
30 November 2013
Abstract: Airborne fungal spores of Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria during the months of March – December, 2012 were trapped,acetolysed and analysedpalynologically to determine the genera of airborne fungal spores and/or particles present in the atmosphere. A total of 9491 fungal spores were counted. The predominant spore types include those of Botryodiplodia, Curvularia, Gliomastix, Drechslera/Helminthosporium, Neurospora, Nigrospora, Pithomyces, Teliospore andStemphylum. The presence of fungal spores in the atmosphere affirms the great influence of anthropogenic activities on the local vegetation. Analysis of variance for the various airborne fungal spores showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the various groups. This study would provide a good template thatcould be used to monitor the frequency and intensity of fungal allergies and various disease conditions of plants, animals and man in the surrounding Savanna environment, and provide adequate restoration and conservation measures for safety health and environmental sustainability.
Abstract: Airborne fungal spores of Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria during the months of March – December, 2012 were trapped,acetolysed and analysedpalynologically to determine the genera of airborne fungal spores and/or particles present in the atmosphere. A total of 9491 fungal spores were counted. The predominant spore types inc...
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Hepatoprotective Effect of Parkia Biglobosa Stem Bark Methanolic Extract on Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Rats
Meraiyebu Ajibola,
Olaniyan Olugbemi,
Abutu Stephanie,
Dare Joseph,
Atsukwei Denen
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2013
Pages:
75-78
Received:
5 October 2013
Published:
10 December 2013
Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the effect of the methanolic extract of parkia biglobosa stem bark on a single daily dose of oral administration of 500 mg/kg BW of paracetamol (acetaminophen, PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats. The rats were divided into (5 groups. The rats in group I served as control and received distilled water, group II were given orally a single daily dose of 500 mg/kg BW of paracetamol for 7 days. Group III, IV, and V received a single daily dose of 500 mg/kg BW of paracetamol and then treated orally with 140 mg/kg BW acetylcysteine, 100 mg/kg BW low dose and 200 mg/kg BW high dose of parkia biglobosa respectively for 21 days. The activities of liver function marker enzymes were determined in the serum of the rat liver homogenate. Paracetamol caused liver damage as evident by significant increased (p≤0.05) (49.63±1.99; 39.41±1.99; 78.58±1.72) in the serum levels of Alkaline phosphatase (AP), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) respectively. Low dose 100mg/kg BW of Parkia biglobosa significantly increased (p≤0.05) serum AP levels (65.42±1.6) but significantly reduced serum levels of ALT and AST (43.80±2.4; 36.77±1.58) respectively. High dose 200 mg/kg BW of Parkia biglobosa significantly reduced (p≤0.05) serum levels of AP, ALT and AST (26.58±0.34; 33.68±2.02; 31.08±0.34) respectively. Acetylcysteine (standard reference drug) significantly reduced (p≤0.05) ALT and AST levels (43.46±1.67; 30.10±1.01) respectively, but the reduction in AP level (46.64±1.01) was not significant. The activity of parkia biglobosa is comparable with acetylcysteine, a known hepatoprotective drug. Thus, Parkia biglobosa exhibits hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol toxicity.
Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the effect of the methanolic extract of parkia biglobosa stem bark on a single daily dose of oral administration of 500 mg/kg BW of paracetamol (acetaminophen, PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats. The rats were divided into (5 groups. The rats in group I served as control and received distilled water, g...
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A Review of the Occurrence of Non-Alkaloid Constituents in Uncaria Species and Their Structure-Activity Relationships
Ndagijimana Andre,
Xiaoming Wang,
Yongzhi He,
Guixiang Pan,
Agyemang Kojo,
Ying Liu
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2013
Pages:
79-98
Received:
19 November 2013
Published:
20 December 2013
Abstract: A good understanding of a medicinal plant is based on fundamental knowledge of its chemical constituents and their pharmacological effects. The non-alkaloids constituents isolated from Uncaria species have been increasingly investigated recently. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties have been studied in many non-alkaloids constituents isolated from Uncaria species. This paper emphasizes the phytochemical and chemotaxonomic analyses of non-alkaloid constituents isolated from fifteen Uncaria species. Their structural activity-relationships have also been discussed.
Abstract: A good understanding of a medicinal plant is based on fundamental knowledge of its chemical constituents and their pharmacological effects. The non-alkaloids constituents isolated from Uncaria species have been increasingly investigated recently. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties have been studied in many non-alkaloids ...
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Plasma Membrane-Derived Vesicles in Sickle Cell Disease: A Possible Indicator of the Continuous Endothelial Stimulation and/or Injury to Blood Cells
Samuel Antwi-Baffour,
Abena Nyarkoah Wiredu,
Ransford Kyeremeh,
Seidu Abdulai Mahmood
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2013
Pages:
99-102
Received:
19 December 2013
Published:
30 December 2013
Abstract: Plasma membrane-derived vesicles (PMVs) are released into circulation in response to normal and stress/pathogenic conditions. They are of tremendous significance for the prediction, diagnosis, and observation of the therapeutic success of many diseases. Knowledge of their functional properties would contribute to a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms leading to various diseases in which their levels are raised. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the levels of PMVs in sickle cell disease patients (Hb SS and Hb SC) with non-sickle cell (Hb AA) subjects. The comparison will help us research and understand the processes that lead to their constitutive release in sickle cell disease patients than in their normal counterparts. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) sickle cell disease patients (study group) and blood donors (control group) that consented to partake in the study were recruited. There were 82 males and 68 females. Fifty (50) each of Hb SS, Hb SC and Hb AA samples were obtained. Sodium metabisulphite (sickling) test, Haemoglobin electrophoresis and quantification of PMVs were carried out on all the samples. The sickle cell disease patients had elevated levels; SS (38.89 ± 0.73 × 104/ml; p= 0.01) and SC (32.62 ± 1.18 × 104/ml; p = 0.01) as against the control subjects (Hb AA) who had average PMVs of 11.28 ± 0.29 × 104/ml PFP (mean ± SEM). It was concluded that both SS and SC (study) samples showed an increased count of PMVs as compared to the AA (control) samples, suggesting persistent endothelial stimulation and/or injury of blood cells leading to continuous shedding of PMVs in sickle cell disease patients.
Abstract: Plasma membrane-derived vesicles (PMVs) are released into circulation in response to normal and stress/pathogenic conditions. They are of tremendous significance for the prediction, diagnosis, and observation of the therapeutic success of many diseases. Knowledge of their functional properties would contribute to a better understanding of the patho...
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Association between Haptoglobin Genotype Polymorphism and Type Two (2) Diabetes in Accra, Ghana
Charles Brown,
Benedicta Awisi,
Harry Asmah,
Batholomew Dzudzor,
Anita Ghansah
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2013
Pages:
103-109
Received:
1 December 2013
Published:
20 January 2014
Abstract: Polymorphism of the haptoglobin (Hp) gene, characterized by alleles Hp1 and Hp2, gives rise to structurally and functionally distinct Hp protein phenotypes: Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2. The corresponding proteins have structural and functional differences that have influence on a particular disease. For example, Hp genotype is an independent risk factor for diabetic complications. In urban Ghana, type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects at least 6% of adults. The aim of this study was to assess the association between Hp genotype polymorphism in T2DM patients in Accra. The study was a case control one. A total of 100 participants, 50 T2DM patients attending the Diabetes Clinic (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) and 50 healthy non-diabetic controls, were involved. Plasma glucose concentration was measured by the glucose-oxidase method. Fasting blood glucose was performed on all subjects except for the individuals with a history of T2DM. Hp genotype was determined by allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR produced Hp genotype-specific bands for the Hp1F, Hp1S, and Hp2 alleles. Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference in the Hp genotype distribution between diabetics and non-diabetics (2 = 7.84, df = 2, p = 0.0198). Hp1-1 was the most frequent genotype among non-diabetics (58%) whilst Hp2-2 (38%) was most frequent genotype among diabetics. Majority of the diabetics were found in the Hp1S-1F and Hp2-2 genotype groups for diastolic BP (mmHg), systolic BP (mmHg) and FBG (mM). There was a strong association between DM and Hp2-2 genotype, followed by Hp2-1 (Hp1F-2 > Hp1S- 2) with the least being Hp1-1 (Hp1F-1F, Hp1S-1F, Hp1S-1S). The risk of developing diabetes among people with Hp2-2 and Hp1F-2 genotypes was high. They can therefore be used as markers for an individual developing DM.
Abstract: Polymorphism of the haptoglobin (Hp) gene, characterized by alleles Hp1 and Hp2, gives rise to structurally and functionally distinct Hp protein phenotypes: Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2. The corresponding proteins have structural and functional differences that have influence on a particular disease. For example, Hp genotype is an independent risk facto...
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