GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (uses and bioactivities)

2022-02-04T23:14:49+00:00

Eclipta prostrata has been long used by humans as traditional medicine and hair fertilizer. This study aims to explain the relationship between utilization and bioactivity of E. prostrata. The method used is a literature review of articles published online on Google Scholar using the keywords E. prostrata, uses E. prostrata, and bioactivity of E. prostrata. Ethnobotanically, E. prostrata is used to treat liver disorders, liver tonic, respiratory disorders (asthma, cough), hepatitis, snake venom poisoning, and gastritis. In the field of beauty E. prostrata is used to nourish hair and treat baldness. The E. prostrata has bioactivity to treat neurodegeneration, asthma, anti-cancer, overcoming baldness, anti-diabetes mellitus, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, anti-osteoporosis, and anti-hypercholesterolemia. The bioactivity of E. prostrata is related to the content of its secondary metabolite compounds. Echinocystic acid and ecclalbasaponin II from E. prostrata are associated with anti-cancer activity.

Physical and mental health status: A review of the Covid-19 pandemic's impact and related management strategies

2022-02-05T06:29:44+00:00

The novel threat of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) outbreak significantly affected the whole world. This pandemic has influenced the world's economic, physical, mental, and social state and well-being. There have been observable drastic changes due to the pandemic that could be destructive to the total being of an individual; thus, it is alarming. Reports show percentages of anxiety and depressive states in adults and children during the pandemic, also the physical health percentages during the pandemic. Hence, access to health support facilities should be prioritized towards improving health outcomes. This study will help give awareness and strategies that could help people shield themselves, primarily since this pandemic mainly targeted their physical and mental well-being. In this viewpoint, factors affecting the physical and mental welfare, the COVID-19 pandemic linkage to mental and physical well-being, societal states before and during the pandemic, standards on good mental and physical health, the sudden shift of situation, status of the physical and mental well-being of different individuals, and management strategies to help improve mental and physical well-being are discussed. The paper will be focusing on the state of mental and physical well-being prior to and throughout the pandemic.

A Comprehensive review on Niosome: a prominent carrier in advance drug delivery

2022-02-05T07:14:15+00:00

Niosomes are vesicular nacarriers that can be used for both amphiphilic and lipophilic drugs. Niosomes are budding vehicles in advanced drug delivery systems. Niosomes are nionic surfactants vesicles that can be formed with or without the addition of cholesterol. Niosomes can be the best choice for nacarriers because of their specific characters like biodegradability, biocompatibility, and immugenic nature. Niosomes can easily trap the hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs and extend the period of the drug in the systemic circulation. Niosomes are the nacarrier that can enhance penetration of drugs into the specific target tissues hence resulting in reduced toxicity. The main aim of this review article is to provide a detailed description of Niosomes.

A comprehensive review on spanules: A novel drug delivery system

2022-02-05T07:18:46+00:00

Spanules are considered one of the most advantageous drug delivery systems. Multi-drug regimen is the key benefit of Spanules (capsules having granules.) Spanules are constructed for the release of API (Drug) at different rates and times. The first immediate /slow-release pattern gives an initial drug release which is followed by drug release at a constant rate for an extended time.This will result in constantdrugsbeing available for a long time of period. This doses form is useful to overcome repeated drug dosing.

The potential use of herbs as immunity booster II

2022-02-05T08:26:49+00:00

Many herbs are used as food additive to make food aromatic also give a lot of health benefits and nutritional values. Some of the herbs used in Egypt are paprika, zingiber, thyme, anise, marjoram etc. The main aim is to high light the role of some commonly used herbs on immunity. In this review we list some bakery products that use some herbs and can be used to improve the immunity of humans.

Antimicrobial resistant in Gram-negative bacilli: Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenting bacilli isolated at Sominé DOLO Hospital of Mopti, Mali

2022-02-04T23:20:08+00:00

Background: β-lactams and carbapenems. are the major antibiotics used to treat gram-negative bacteria and non-fermenting bacilli. However, the increasing production of β-lactamase and carbapenemase limits the therapeutic options. Our study aims to determine the resistant phenotypes of these bacteria while describing their epidemiological aspect.

Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study by consecutive enrollment from January 2018 to December 2019 at Sominé DOLO Hospital of Mopti, Mali. We performed manual method for bacteria culture, identification and antibiotics sensitivity testing. The antibiotics sensitivity testing was accessed by the diffusion method according to CA-SFM/EUCAST (“Comité de l’Antibiogramme de la Société Française de Microbiologie” / European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) recommendations V1.0 february 2018 and V2.0 may 2019 2019 V.2.0. May recommendation released in 2019. Data were analyzed by software R 4.0.3 GUI 1.73 Catalina build (7892).

Results: At all 904 samples were included in this study. Out of the 904 cultures, 297 sample (32.85%) were positive. The rates of enzymes production were as follow: Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) 56.42% (101/179), cepholosporinase hyperproduction (HCASE) 15.64% (28/179), cephalosporinase production (CASE) 6.14% (11/179), penicillinase hyperproduction (HP) 5.58% (10/179), carbapenemase production (CP) 6.14% (11/179) and savage strains 10.05% (18/179).

Conclusion: Our data showed a high prevalence of resistance to β-lactamins ß-talactamins and carbapenemes in gram-negative bacteria and non-fermenting bacillus bacilli. The A high level of β-lactamase and carbapenemase production by gram negative bacillus were also reported by others authors calls for the rational use of antibiotic in hospital setting.

Microbiological dynamics involved in cereal-porridge production using maize and sorghum

2022-02-04T23:31:57+00:00

Cereal-porridge(‘ogi’) was produced by spontaneous fermentation using maize and sorghum substrates. The microbiological dynamics involved were monitored over a period of 48h fermentation. Bacteria, yeasts and moulds were isolated. Based on the morphological, cultural and biochemical test results, the aerobic bacterial isolates were identified as Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Citrobacter sp, Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Shigella sp, and Escherichia coli. The Lactic acid bacteria were Lactococcus sp, Enterococcus sp, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus sp. The yeast isolates were 2 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one other Saccharomyces sp and a Candida sp. The moulds were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus sp and Penicillium sp. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated were 2 strains of Lactococcus lactis, 2 Enterobacter spp, 5 strains of Lactobacillus fermentum and 1 other Lactobacillus sp. The initial total viable aerobic bacterial count at 0h in maize, sorghum and maize-sorghum blend were 4.6 × 10⁴, 7.3 × 10⁴ and 2.4 × 10⁵cfu/ml respectively. The growths rose to peaks of 6.5 × 10⁷ and 3.9 × 10⁷cfu/ml at 24h in maize and maize-sorghum blend, respectively. A Peak of 4.7 x 10⁷cfu/ml was attained at 36h in sorghum. Coliform bacteria and moulds growths in the three samples attained peaks of growth at 12h and reduced till there was no growth by 48h. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts increased in numbers till the end of fermentation. The initial pH value at 0h was lowest in maize-sorghum blend sample (5.43) and highest in maize (5.75). Final values at 48h were 3.76, 3.78 and 3.75 in maize, sorghum and maize-sorghum blend samples respectively. There were no significant differences between the microbial growth patterns, changes in pH, total titratable acidity (TTA) and amylase enzymatic activities in maize, sorghum and maize-sorghum blend samples during fermentation.

Comparative evaluation of effect of legume type on feed intake among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

2022-02-04T23:38:02+00:00

This study evaluated the use of maize, groundnut and soybean stover in cattle feeding. The study assessed the value of upgrading the quality of crop residues. The study involved evaluation of palatability of maize stover improved using urea (U), chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut stover solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean stover solution (mSS). In the feeding trial, twelve (12) crossbred dairy cows in their second parity were used as experimental units. A 2² factorial experiment within a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used. Maize stover was chopped before being mixed with urea, chopped legume stover and mineralized legume stover solutions. The effect of supplementation using maize stover upgraded with U, cGS, cSS, mGS and mSS was studied for supplement intake levels. Urea Ensilage Treatment (UET) was used as the novel therapy in the study. Both legume type and processing method had influence on supplement intake of maize stover. Groundnut stover had significantly (p˂0.05) higher (0.99kg/day, se=0.04) effect on supplement intake of maize stover than soybean stover(0.83kg/day, se=0.04). The use of mineralized legume stover solution proved significant (p˂0.05) to the use of chopped legume stover in improving the intake of maize stover. Results have indicated that intake was highest (1.01kg/day, s.e=0.04) for mineralised groundnut stover solution and lowest (0.67kg/day, s.e=0.04) for Urea Ensiling Treatment.

Diversity and abundance of insects on Potato, Mustard and Tomato in winter at Mitchells farm, Okara, Pakistan

2022-02-04T23:49:06+00:00

Abundance is defined as the relative representation of species in a particular area. It is usually measured as the number of individuals found per sample. The abundance of insects was recorded from the selected fields of mustard, potato and tomato fields. Samples were collected by applying quadrant method, simple tools were used i.e. sweep nets and direct handpicking. Hemiptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera were the main orders of the insects that were most abundant and effecting the selected fields. Total collected specimens were numbered as 117, out of which 65 specimens were recorded from mustard 36 from tomato and 16 from potato field. The results indicate that insects have subsequent association with their host vegetables at leafy stage. A maximum abundance of insects was found in mustard fields and least in Potato field. A common insect found among all fields was the budworm. Abundance was recorded less because of some factors i.e. low temperature and pesticides.

Correlation between therapy modalities and survival of lung cancer patients in Surabaya, Indonesia

2022-02-05T03:46:10+00:00

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Lung cancer treatment are including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. Despite therapy modalities mentioned above, lung cancer survival is remained poor. In this research we want to find out the correlation between the current treatment modalities used and the survival of lung cancer patients. Data source is secondary data collected from electronic medical records in oncology polyclinic of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital. Data will be analyzed regarding the correlation between the therapy given and survival of the patients also the correlation between histologic types of lung cancer and therapy given using contingency coefficient. Coefficient we found weak correlation between cancer type and therapy modalities given (p<0.01 and C=0.301) where targeted therapy is related with adenocarcinoma. Moderate correlation between therapy given and survival of the patients (p<0.01, C=0.533). Targeted therapy related with better survival outcome compared to chemotherapy and patient that get only supportive care. Targeted therapy is related with better prognosis compared to chemotherapy and supportive care. Targeted therapy drugs that used in Adenocarcinoma found in this research is mainly targeting EGFR mutation. Squamous cell carcinoma and small-cell carcinoma mainly treated using platinum-based chemotherapy.

Effect of aqueous solution of caffeine on serum level of superoxide dismutase in male Wister rats

2022-02-05T06:22:17+00:00

Caffeine is an active ingredient of coffee (Nescafe) as one of the major sources of dietary antioxidant compounds which counteract the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are the main contributors to oxidative stress. This research is carried out to investigate the role of caffeine in modulating superoxide dismutase and caffeine’s contribution to aging. Forty five sexually matured albino rats with weights ranging from 120-200g were purchased from the animal house of the Department of Anatomy, University of Port Harcourt. These animals were divided into five groups according to their weights and were housed in fifteen well ventilated cages containing sawdust which serves as beddings for the comfort of the animals and for easy removal of their feaces. They were fed daily with animal feed, water ad libitum and allowed to acclimatize for a period of one week, after which their weights were taken and caffeine administration commenced.The results obtained showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the body weight of the animals on days 14 and 21 following the administration of 20mg/kg of the extract when compared with day 0 and a significant (p<0.05) increase in serum superoxide dismutase activity for 100mg/kg on day 14 when compared to the control. The findings of this study suggests that caffeine (NESCAFE) may have little or no significant effect on the activity of superoxide dismutase.

Prevalence of Candida albicans species among females with symptoms

2022-02-05T06:37:36+00:00

Candida albicansisan opportunistic fungal pathogen found as part of the normal microflora in humans, it is one of approximately 200 species in the genus Candida.Candidaalbicans is the most common type of fungus to cause yeast infectionsand accounts for up to 75% of all candidalinfections.A study on the prevalence of vaginal infections was carried out on women at the effective Medical Laboratory, Port-Harcourt. The Clinical symptoms noted amongst women were itching, vaginal discharge, irritation of the vulvovaginal.A total of 100 samples were collected and analysed, a percentage occurrence of 64% growth and 36%no growth was gotten. Germ tubes test carried out shows that out of 64 samples that had growth, 42 of the samples isolated were positive and 22 were negative.Gram staining reactions of Candida albicans isolated shows that all were gram positive.This shows that Candida albicanswas prevalent. Antifungal susceptibility test showed susceptibility of 42%, this was observed in Nystatin, which indicates that it’s a better antifungal drug in the treatment of Candida albican infection above other antifungal drugs used for the analysis which include Griseoflucin, Fluconazole, Sivoketonazole.The fact that a patient presents symptoms of candidiasis does not mean that the infection is caused by Candida albicans. Proper diagnosis is required to ascertain the main cause of the infection.

Isolation and susceptibility patterns of bacteria associated with lung diseases

2022-02-05T07:08:25+00:00

Lung diseases have been a worldwide health problem,with high endemicity in developing countries. Bronchopneumonia remains the main disease of the lung. Despite advances in modern medicine, there is no-effective drug available that stimulate lung function, offer protection to the lung from damage or help to regenerate pulmonary cells destroyed by disseminated bacteria. There is an urgent need for effective drugs to replace/supplement those in current use. This study was embarked upon to evaluate the effect of Asplenium bulbiferum leaf extracts on nosily infected mice with Streptococcus pneumoniae isolate of suspension containing 5x10⁶ cells/ul. Streptococcus pneumoniae was obtained from human specimen, identified through cultural, morphological and biochemical examination, in addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was performed using universal primers to support the identification process. The antibacterial activity was carried out using agar well diffusion technique. Tube dilution technique was used to determine the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using double fold serial dilution at concentrations of 400mg/ml to 25mg/ml. The effect of the leaf extract was evaluated by treating mus musculus mice (WBC count 4.5x10³⁾with sub-MIC of A. bulbiferum extracts after being nosily infected with S. pneumoniae and appearance of disease septum with 11.3x10³ WBC count after 5days from infection. The photochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids; phenolics, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides. The ethanolic extract exhibited more activity than the aqueous extract against S.aureus most followed by S. pneumoniae, H. influenza and K. pneumoniae was the least. After treating the infected mice with the plant extract for 6 days from infection, the WBC count reduced to 5.1x10³ml which is normal range and the mice were healthy with good physiological behaviour. For the infected untreated mice, the WBC and other immunological parameters remain high even after 16 days from infection. The study showed that Asplenium bulbiferum possessed antibacterial properties and could serve as alternative therapy for ameliorating lung infections.

Comparative anatomical study for fruits of some species of Bunium L. (Umbelliferae) in Iraq

2022-02-05T07:23:50+00:00

Bunium is one of the interested genus that grow in different region of Iraq, it is within the family Umbelliferae (Apiaceae), and the species within this family have a considerable fruit characteristics. The species that were chosen in this study are: B. brachyactis (Post) H. Wolff, B. caroides (Boiss.) Hausskn. Ex Bornm., B. chaerophylloides (Regel& Schmalh.) Drude, B. rectangulum Boiss. & Hausskn., B. verruculosum C.C.Towns. and B. avromanum (Boiss.& Hausskn) Drude., the study found that the fruits of these species have 5 protrusions different in size but all have the same number of vittae, but some are semiler in size and some are not, the number of vascular element are varied between these species, anatomical characteristics were provided.

Biologically active secondary metabolites of an endophytic fungus of Psidium guajava

2022-02-05T07:29:55+00:00

Endophytes possess several phytohormones and bioactive metabolites of medicinal importance and thus, continue to generate research interest as candidates in drug discovery programmes. This study was carried out to investigate the secondary metabolites of an endophytic fungus isolated from leaves of Psidium guajava. Endophytic fungal isolation, fungal fermentation; and extraction of secondary metabolites in ethyl acetate were carried out using standard methods. The crude extract was subjected to Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) using binary combinations of Hexane:Ethyl acetate and Dichloromethane:Methanol to obtain fourteen sub-fractions designated PG55-1 to PG55-14. The fungal crude extracts and VLC sub-fractions were screened for antimicrobial activity and were also subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds. An endophytic fungus, PG55 was isolated from the leaf of Psidium guajava. The fungal secondary metabolites showed antibacterial properties, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.0625 – 1 mg/ml. No antifungal activity was observed. HPLC-DAD analysis of the extract suggested the presence p-hydroxybenzoic acid, pentenedioic acid and palitantin in one of the fractions of PG55. Some of these compounds are known antimicrobial agents and may be responsible for the antimicrobial activities recorded for the fungal extracts. The results of this study, suggests the many potentials possessed by Nigerian plants as hosts of endophytes that could be reservoirs for excellent sources of pharmacologically active compounds.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activities of methanol stem extract of Massularia acuminata and methanol twig extract of Garcinia kola on oral Bacteria and their effect in combination

2022-02-05T07:51:03+00:00

Massularia acuminata and Garcinia kola are chewing sticks widely used in Nigeria rural population for oral and dental care. This research investigates the individual antibacterial effects of methanol extracts of stem and twigs of these plants respectively and the combined effect of both extracts, against isolates of the oral cavity. The isolates were obtained from the oral cavities of healthy undergraduate students. The bacteria isolates obtained were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Screening for antibacterial effect of each of the extracts and the combined extract on the standardized isolates was done by the Agar well diffusion method. On S. aureus, the methanol extract of M. acuminate and G. kola had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml with mean inhibitory zone diameter (IZD) of 3mm and 10mm respectively. The combination of both plant extracts showed MIC of 25mg/ml and a mean IZD of 4mm. On E. coli, M. acuminate and G. kola had MIC of 25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml with mean IZD of 2mm and 3mm respectively. The combination of both extracts gave MIC of 25mg/ml and a mean IZD of 1mm. Both extracts didn’t exhibit any effect on the other 3 isolates. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed the values were significant at p<0.05 for antibacterial activity of G. kola, M. acuminata and the combined extracts against S. aureus, also significant for G. kola (p<0.05) against E. coli but insignificant for M. acuminata and the combined extracts (p>0.05). This study proved that M. acuminata and G. kola extracts can be used for oral hygiene, but not in combination

Role of nitric oxide in prevention diabetic nephropathy in females after menopause

2022-02-05T08:01:36+00:00

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease, which affects many organs besides the pancreas such as the liver, brain, eye, stomach, and kidney.

Purpose: The current study aimed to evaluate role of nitric oxide in prevention diabetic nephropathy in females after menopause.

Methods: Our study was carried out on 90 females and 90 males with T2DM aged over 45 years, randomly selected from the outpatient clinic of the National Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE). T2DM patients were divided into 3 subgroups; subgroup 1: patients without any complications, subgroup 2: patients with nephropathy complications (DN), and subgroup 3: patients with cardiovascular compactions (CVD).

Results: Result showed that dyslipidemia and oxidative stress was more pronounced in females rather than in male. While, kidney function markers was worse in male than female.

Conclusion: The current study shows that diabetic females are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease than males due to the depletion of estrogen in postmenopausal women, causing oxidative stress. On the other hand, diabetic males are more susceptible to diabetic nephropathy than females due to a decrease in nitric oxide level, which is considered a kidney protective factor

Behavior of fluorescent Pseudomonas under different concentrations of heavy metals (Zn and Cu)

2022-02-05T08:08:06+00:00

The use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in the depletion of soils in mineral elements and telluric microorganisms. Thus, for an improvement in crop growth, the exploitation of telluric microorganisms such as Pseudomonas can be an alternative.

Laboratory work has made it possible to isolate strains of Pseudomonas from the rhizospheres of tomato, eggplant and onion. These strains were also tested in the presence of different concentrations of certain metals (CuSO₄ and ZnSO₄ (0, 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mmol/l).

The tests carried out in the laboratory in the presence of Cu and Zn revealed a very significant reduction in the number of colonies of the strains of Pseudomonas for the concentrations of 5 and 6 mmol/l.

The results showed better zinc tolerance for both tomato and onion rhizosphere strains. In the presence of Cu, the strain isolated from tomato rhizosphere shows more tolerance to heavy metals. These results made it possible to isolate different strains of Pseudomonas and to specify their tolerance thresholds for heavy metals.

In vitro mass propagation of flowering plant Torenia (Torenia fournieri Lind.) through nodal segment

2022-02-05T08:12:45+00:00

Torenia fournieri is an important ornamental plant in Bangladesh that can grow in a variety of soils in moist areas. It is an extensively studied plant species to investigate fertilization and movement of chromosome. This investigation was carried out to establish a suitable protocol for large scale in vitro regeneration. In vitro mass propagation is one of the best biotechnological methods that can be ensured rapid multiplication of disease-free propagules and genetically identical plant production for plant breeding. In vitro plant regeneration in Torenia was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BA using nodal segments as explants. Maximum 95% of the explants were produced multiple shoots in this medium. The maximum number (12) of shoot per explant and the maximum shoot length of 5.5 cm were observed after 60 days of culture. The well-rooted were found when strong and healthy shoots were transferred into half strength of MS+ 1.0 mg/l IBA. The maximum number (18) of root per shoot and the maximum root length of 4.83 cm were recorded in this medium after 30 days of culture whilst 90% of shoots induced root. In vitro raised plantlets did not show any morphological variation and 90% of plantlets was survived in the natural environment. In this study, rapid multiplication of planting material in Torenia through in vitro propagation techniques such as shoot initiation, multiplication, rooting, hardening and optimizing the concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators is developed. This regeneration protocol will be helpful in in vitro mutagenesis technique to create new variation of this plant within short time cycle.