| 1 |
Author(s):
Onuoha Chinyere, Anyiam Ifeoma Vivian.
Page No : 1-12
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Western Blot Evaluation Of LNCaP Cells in Response to Selective Phytochemical Treatments
Abstract
Phytochemicals present in various plants and plant products instigate definite outcomes on cellular gene targets in living organisms. Many phytochemicals have been recognised for their potentials in chemoprevention and chemotherapy. This study is tasked to establish the effect of curcumin, DIM and EGCG on LNCaP cells to ascertain the effect on selected genes that have been previously reported to be implicated in prostate carcinogenesis. With the application of cell culture treatments and western blotting techniques, the androgen receptor (AR), Akt, Bax, BCL-2, β-catenin, p21, p53, phospho-Akt and surviving proteins were interrogated. Most interestingly is that the androgen receptor protein is observed to be uniquely down-regulated with the DIM treatment and paired combination treatments containing DIM. Selectively, DIM among the other investigated phytochemicals may possess the highest potential in the inhibition of the androgen receptor, a major key player in prostate carcinogenesis.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Aminu Y., Bawa A.A., Zakari H.H., Abubakar A., Bashir A..
Page No : 13-18
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Response of Tomato Variety (UC-82B) to Three Different Concentrations of Colchicine (C22H25NO6) and Seasonal Variations for Improved Growth and Yield related Traits
Abstract
The Response of tomato variety (UC-82B) to colchicine and seasonal variations to improved growth and yield related traits was investigated with the aim of inducing variability that could be exploited in the improvement of some quality traits in Tomato. The seed of the tomato variety (UC-82B) was treated with three different concentrations of colchicine (1.0mM, 1.5 mM, 2.0 mM and 0.0 mM as control). The result indicated that, the interaction makes (UC-82B) variety of tomato to respond more to the mutagenic treatments during the rainy season than the dry season. The interaction showed that, seedlings height, height at maturity and pericarp thickness of the controls have the highest response during the dry season. However, the (UC-82B) mutant treated with 1.0mM concentration showed highest response in all the selected traits during rainy season except fruit diameter. Similarly, all the 1.5mM treated mutants showed highest response during rainy season except in leaf area where highest response was found in dry season. Similar result was found in 2.0 mM treated mutants.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Friday Emeakpor Ogbetere.
Page No : 19-24
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Large Post-Surgical Incisional Hernias: Case Reports and a Review of Barriers Against Early Presentation and Refusal to Consent to Surgery
Abstract
Incisional hernias, otherwise known as postoperative ventral hernias, are post-surgical fascial defects in the abdominal wall through which fat and viscera protrude. They are preventable causes of morbidity and mortality commonly encountered in our environment. Only a few patients with incisional hernia seek medical advice and only a handful of them consent to a surgical repair, even in the presence of complications, due to the high cost of treatment and disappointment from previous surgery. In this case series, two patients with complicated large long-standing post-surgical incisional hernias, who declined surgical repairs are presented, and the barriers to early presentation and factors responsible for refusal to consent to surgery in sub-Saharan Africa reviewed.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Onyemaechi Henry Obiazikwor, Obehi Vera Ofeimu, Felix Onome.
Page No : 25-37
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Screening of Fungal Endophytes for their Biocontrol Potential against Rhizopus sp. Isolated from Diseased Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to screen for the bio-control potential of fungal endophytes isolated from cassava against a test pathogen of cassava. Fungal endophytes and pathogen were isolated and identified from healthy and diseased cassava respectively. The isolated fungal endophytes were screened for their biocontrol potential against a test pathogen using the dual culture and culture filtrate assay. Fusarium sp., Botryosphaeria sp., Colletotrichum sp., yeast isolate 1 and 2 were the isolated fungal endophytes while the pathogen was Rhizopus sp. The effect of endophytes on the mycelia growth of Rhizopus sp. using the dual culture assay indicated that yeast isolate 1 & 2 and Colletotrichum sp. were effective in inhibiting the mycelia growth of the test pathogen while Fusarium sp. and Botryosphaeria sp. were not effective. The co-culture of yeast isolate 2 with the test pathogen gave the lowest mycelia growth (1.66a±0.09) at day 2. The effect of endophytic culture filtrate on the mycelia growth of Rhizopus sp. showed that Fusarium sp. gave the lowest mycelia growth in the three days observed. The findings from this study suggested that the test endophytes have biocontrol potential against Rhizopus sp. The biocontrol abilities of the test endophytes vary using the dual culture and culture filtrate assay.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Michael Adetope Aladese, Adenike Bosede Ariyo.
Page No : 38-50
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Prevalence of Vibrio Cholerae and Vibrio Species from Different Sources in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Abstract
The distribution of Vibrio cholerae and non-cholera Vibrio species from different sources from five localities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria was investigated in this study. A total of 44 stool samples, 22 freshwater samples, 60 brackish water samples and 64 seafood samples (crabs, shrimps and fishes) were collected from January to April, 2019 for the purpose of V. cholerae prevalence study. Samples were transported to the laboratory using Car-Blair’s medium. This was followed by samples enrichment in 1% alkaline peptone water and pour plating on thiosulphate citrate bile-salt sucrose (TCBS) agar. Characteristic yellow colonies were subjected to further biochemical and physiological characterization to further identify V. cholerae. Antibiotics susceptibility patterns for isolated V. cholerae strains were investigated. Furthermore, water samples (fresh and brackish) and seafood samples were collected on a monthly basis to ascertain the effect of seasons (dry and wet months) on the distribution of Vibrio spp. A total of 16 (36.36%) stools samples were positive for V. cholerae. In addition, 12 (54.55%) of freshwater samples, 28 (46.67%) of brackish water samples and 22 (34.38%) of seafood samples were contaminated with V. cholerae. The monthly mean values of Vibrio spp. from environmental sources showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the dry months (low rainfall) and wet months (frequent rainfall). Higher average values were observed during the dry months. The result of the antibiotics sensitivity test showed all V. cholerae strains were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and pefloxacin while varying degree sensitivities were observed in tetracycline and augmentin. Cholera and other non-cholera Vibrio spp gastrointestinal infections are still a major concern to the health of the public. Local and regional governments should enforce and promote the need for personal and communal hygienic practices.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Wichendu P.N., Dodiyi-Manuel A..
Page No : 51-56
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Advanced Breast Cancer in Nigeria: A Single Centre Experience
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally and in Nigeria, it constitutes about 12% of all new cancers and 25% of all cancers in women. In Nigeria, the majority of patients present with late disease and globally, advanced breast cancer is associated with a low survival rate among patients. This study seeks to review the presentation of advanced breast cancer as seen in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Southern Nigeria. Patients and Methods: This is a 5-year retrospective study conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Records of patients that presented to the hospital within the study period with histologically proven breast cancer (stages 3 and 4) were retrieved, and relevant data extracted and analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: There were 47 patients with advanced breast cancer and they were all females. Their ages ranged from 25 to 72 years with a mean of 43.9 ± 4.7 and peak age of 31–50 years. Majority of the patients (72.3%) had stage 3 disease while 13 (27.7%) of them had stage 4. The lung was the commonest metastatic site and this was seen in 7 (14.9%) patients, followed by the liver in 1 (2.1%). Conclusion: Advanced breast cancer remains a dreaded disease that reduces patients’ quality of life significantly and may also be rapidly fatal. Community-based efforts in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) targeted at information dissemination to the public, and offering breast cancer screening and subsidized cancer treatment are essential to reduce the mortality associated with this deadly disease.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Ezenwaka Chinonye O., Amuzie Chidinma C..
Page No : 57-66
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Parasitic and Microbial Infestations of Fruits Sold at Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables have numerous health importance but can act as vehicles in the transmission of foodborne diseases of public health importance. This research examined the presence of parasites and microbial organisms on fruits sold at Otuoke community, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria using six fruits types, including pineapple (Ananas comosus), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum), guava (Psidium guajava) and orange (Citrus sinensis). The parasites were concentrated by sedimentation and were examined using a light microscope. The result of the study showed the presence of cysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, eggs of Fasciola hepatica, Ascaris lumbricoides and larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. Five out of the 6 fruits types examined were infested with at least one type of parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides (33.33%) was the most frequently detected parasite and was found on the pineapple, guava and oranges fruits. Fruit types were not significantly associated with parasitic contamination (p > 0.005). Bacteria isolated from the fruits included Lactobacillus sp., Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. E. coli was isolated in all the sampled fruits types. The total count was determined by pour plate method using MacConkey agar. Total viable bacteria count (TBC) ranged from 21.9 x 105cfu/ml to 7.27 x 105cfu/ml. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Mucor spp.. and Fusarium spp were the isolated fungi species. A high number of these microorganisms in fruits and vegetables can lead to public health emergencies. Risk reduction can be achieved through personal and food hygiene by the fruit sellers and consumers. Further studies should be conducted to address the effect of seasonal variation on the infestation of the fruits sold in this area.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Ekpenyong M.S., Tawari E. P..
Page No : 67-83
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Investigation of the Possible Moderators of Alcohol-Related Intimate Partner Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
Alcohol-related intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue which has attracted a lot of research and debates. While some studies have reported the relationship between alcohol and IPV to be linear, others have reported threshold effects. While some studies have found the link to be strong, others have reported it to be weak or to show no association. The aim of this study was to determine the possible moderators on the alcohol-IPV link in sub-Saharan Africa. For the quantitative study, secondary analysis and meta-analysis were used to analyze cross-sectional data from the demographic and health surveys of ten countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). Logistic regression analysis of possible moderators of the alcohol-IPV link was determined in ten sub-Saharan African countries. The nature of moderation was different among countries. The results of this study can be applied in planning country-specific and multi-faceted intervention programmes.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Aminu Y., Bichi B.S., Zakari S.I., Muhammad A.U., Alhassan A.Y..
Page No : 84-91
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Induced-Growth and Yield Responses to Three Varieties of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by Sodium Azide (NaN3) and Grafting in Wet Season
Abstract
The Effect of Sodium Azize and Grafting on Vegetative Growth PreliminaYield Parameters on Tomato in Wet Season, was investigated with the aim of inducing variability that could be exploited in the improvement of some quality traits in Tomato. The seeds of three varieties of tomato: (Roma, UC-82B and Local varieties) were treated with three different concentrations of sodium azide (0.2mM, 0.4 mM, 0.6 mM and 0.0 mM as control). The result showed highly significant difference (P≤0.01) in the effects of different concentrations of sodium azide on almost all the selected traits except on the fruit diameter where no significant difference was found. More so, the result also indicated highly significant difference (P≤0.01) among the varieties on the selected traits except in germination percent (1 WAP); where significant difference (P≤0.05) was found, and in number of leaves, and fruits diameters, no significant difference exists among the varieties. Furthermore, highly significant difference (P≤0.01) was found on the effects of grafting and sodium azide singly and in combine dosage as treatments on germination percent (1 and 2 WAP), and on number of leaves/plant. Significant difference (P≤0.05) was found on the effects of these treatments on the survival rate, while, no significant difference was found on the effects of the treatments on the number of fruits, fruit diameter, and pH. More so, no significant differences was found in the interactions except in the interaction in the interactions of variety and treatments on the number of leaves where highly significant difference (P≤0.01) was found.
