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Caractérisations physico-chimiques d’un sol hydromorphe amendé par un biofertilisant dans un système de culture à base de cucurbitacées au Burkina Faso
Get PDFLe marché africain des fertilisants organiques est en expansion en raison du faible statut organique des sols et de l'acceptation croissante, parmi les agriculteurs de la fertilisation organo- minérale. Cette étude visait à déterminer les effets d’un fertilisant organique sur des cultures maraichères et sur quelques propriétés physicochimiques d’un sol hydromorphe. Ainsi, deux cucurbitacées (courgette et concombre) ont été cultivées selon un dispositif en blocs de Fisher complètement randomisés. Sept (07) traitements en trois (03) répétitions ont été comparés : Compost Nofosuo (CN) ; Compost Nofosuo + Fumure Organique (CN+FO) ; Compost Nofosuo + Fumure Minérale Vulgarisée (CN+NPK) ; Compost Nofosuo + Fumure Organique + Fumure Minérale Vulgarisée (CN+FO+NPK) ; Fumure Organique (FO) et Fumure Minérale Vulgarisée (NPK + urée). Les données sur les caractères agro morphologiques des cultures ont été collectées. Les résultats ont montré que les rendements de courgette et de concombre ont été significativement affectés par les traitements. Les plus hauts rendements ont été obtenus avec les combinaisons entre le compost Nofosuo et la fumure minérale NPK. Les traitements combinant le compost Nofosuo a la fumure minérale et organo-minérale (CN+NPK et CN+FO+NPK) ont permis d’obtenir des gains additionnels de rendement de plus de 100% par rapport au traitement de l’engrais minéral NPK seul pour les deux cucurbitacées. Le compost Nofosuo apporté seul ou combiné aux engrais solubles ou à la fumure organique a entrainé une diminution de l’acidité des sols hydromorphes sous les deux cultures. L’apport combiné du compost Nofosuo avec les engrais solubles a aussi amélioré le phosphore total et la matière organique du sol. Le compost Nofosuo apparait ainsi comme une alternative de maintien de la fertilité des sols sur les périmètres maraichers à fort usage d’engrais chimiques.
English title: Characterization of a hydromorphic soil physico-chemical properties resulted from a biofertilizer amendment in cucurbit production in Burkina Faso
The expansion of africain market organic fertilizers resulted from low soil organic statute and the increasing adoption of organo-mineral fertilization among farmers. This study aimed to determine the effects of an organic fertilizer on vegetable crops and on some hydromorphic soil physico-chemical properties. Two cucurbits (zucchini and cucumber) were grown using randomised Fisher bloc design. 7 treatments in 3 replications were compared: Nofosuo Compost (NC); Nofosuo Compost + Organic Fertilizer (OF); Nofosuo Compost + Mineral Fertilizer (MF), NC+MF+MF; FO and MF (NPK). Data were collected on the crops agromorphological parameters. Results showed that the yields of zucchini and cucumber were significant influenced by the treatments. The highest yields obtained from the combination of NC with MF (NC+NPK and NC+OF+NPK) contributed to increase the two cucurbit yield up to 100% compared to NPK treatment alone. Nofusuo compost applied alone or combined with mineral fertilizers or with organic fertilizer led to the hydrorphic soil acidity decrease under the two cucurbits. The combined used of Nofosuo compost with mineral fertilizers improved total phosphorus and soil organic matter contents. Nofosuo compost could be therefore considered as an alternative to maintain soil fertility in market gardens where chemical fertilizer is much used.
 
Incidence and follow-up of persistent lung perfusion abnormalities as a result of suspected air trapping or microthrombosis in non-hospitalised COVID‑19 patients during the early half of the pandemic – experience in a tertiary institution in South Africa
No full textBackground. Available clinical data have revealed that COVID‑19 is associated with a risk of pulmonary microthrombosis and small airway disease, especially in patients with severe disease. These patients present with persistent pulmonary symptoms after recovery, with ventilation and perfusion abnormalities present on several imaging modalities. Few data are available on the occurrence of this complication in patients who earlier presented with a milder form of COVID‑19, and their long-term follow-up.Objective. To assess the incidence of persistent lung perfusion abnormalities as a result of suspected air trapping or microthrombosis in non-hospitalised patients diagnosed with COVID‑19. The long-term follow-up of these patients will also be investigated.Methods. This was a retrospective study conducted at the nuclear medicine department of Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein. We reviewed the studies of 78 non-hospitalised patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection referred to our department from July 2020 to June 2021 for a perfusion-only single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) study or a ventilation perfusion (VQ) SPECT/CT study. All 78 patients were suspected of having pulmonary embolism, and had raised D-dimer levels, with persistent, worsening or new onset of cardiopulmonary symptoms after the diagnosis of COVID‑19.Results. Seventy-eight patients were studied. The median (interquartile range) age was 45 (41 - 58) years and the majority (88.5%) were females. Twenty-two (28.2%) of these patients had matching VQ defects with mosaic attenuation on CT. All 9 of the patients who had follow-up studies had abnormalities that persisted, even after 1 year.Conclusion. We confirm that persistent ventilation and perfusion abnormalities suspicious of small airway disease and pulmonary microthrombosis can occur in non-hospitalised patients diagnosed with a milder form of COVID‑19. Our study also shows that these complications remain present even 1 year after the initial diagnosis of COVID‑19
Aneurysm caused by intimomedial mucoid degeneration: A case report
No full textIntimomedial mucoid degeneration (IMMD) is characterised by aneurysm formation following mucin deposition in the intima and media, with elastic tissue degeneration of the arterial wall. IMMD aneurysms have been sporadically reported, with a series of 22 cases by Abdool-Carrim et al. emanating from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa. We report on a patient who presented with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. IMMD was confirmed on histological examination of a biopsy specimen taken during open repair of the aneurysm
Recovering from COVID lockdowns: Routine public sector PHC services in South Africa, 2019 - 2021
No full textBackground. In a previous article on the impact of COVID-19, the authors compared access to routine health services between 2019 and 2020. While differential by province, a number of services provided, as reflected in the District Health Information System (DHIS), were significantly affected by the pandemic. In this article we explore the extent to which the third and fourth waves affected routine services.Objectives. To assess the extent to which waves 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 pandemic affected routine health services in South Africa, and whether there was any recovery in 2021.Methods. Data routinely collected via the DHIS in 2019, 2020 and 2021 were analysed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and extent of recovery.Results. While there was recovery in some indicators, such as number of children immunised and HIV tests, in many other areas, including primary healthcare visits, the 2019 numbers have yet to be reached – suggesting a slow recovery and continuing impact of the pandemic.Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect routine health services in 2021 in a number of areas. There are signs of recovery to 2019 levels in some of the health indicators. However, the impact indicators of maternal and neonatal mortality continued to worsen in 2021, and if interventions are not urgently implemented, the country is unlikely to meet the Sustainable Development Goals targets. 
Chikusetsu saponin IVA induces apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction of benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cell line (BPH-1) by inhibiting JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway
No full textPurpose: To determine the potential effect of Chikusetsu saponin IVA (CS-IVA) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as the mechanism of action.
Methods: Benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cell response to treatment by CS-IVA was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation assay, and cell cycle analysis. Flow cytometry and immunoblot assay were used to assess the effect of CS-IVA on cell apoptosis. Mitochondrial damage was examined by JC-1 staining and immunoblot, while immunoblot assay was also performed to determine the effect of CS-IVA on JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Results: CS-IVA inhibited the growth and cycle progression of BPH-1 cell but promoted cell apoptosis (p < 0.01). It also exacerbated mitochondrial damage in BPH-1 cell lines (p < 0.01). With regard to the mechanism of action, CS-IVA inhibited JAK/STAT3 pathway in BPH-1 cells (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: CS-IVA induces apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction of BPH-1 cells by inhibiting JAK/STAT3 pathway, and thus it is a potential drug for the treatment of BPH. However, in vivo studies on the effect of CS-IVA are are required to validate these result
Carnosic acid attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons via activation of AMPK/SIRT1 pathway
No full textPurpose: To determine the effects and mechanism of action of carnosic acid (CA), a natural diterpenoid compound, on the neuroprotective roles of anesthetics.
Methods: The effects of carnosic acid (CA) on cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Its effects on mitochondrial damage was assessed by JC-1 staining, while oxidative stress and inflammatory response were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot assays, respectively. Immunoblot assays were performed to evaluate the effect of CA on AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.
Results: Carnosic acid (CA) increased the survival rate of isoflurane-induced neuronal cells, but inhibited isoflurane-induced mitochondrial damage in neurons (p < 0.01). CA also suppressed isoflurane-induced oxidative stress in neurons, and inhibited isoflurane-induced neuronal inflammatory response (p < 0.01). Furthermore, CA activated AMPK/SIRT1 pathway, and also attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons induced by isoflurane (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Carnosic acid attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons via activation of AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Thus, it has potentials for use in the treatment of neurotoxicit
25-Hydroxyvitamin D: A potential marker of the incidence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in diabetic mellitus patients
No full textPurpose: To investigate the feasibility of using the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in assessing osteoporosis (OP) and sarcopenia in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods: One hundred and forty elderly patients with DM were allocated to DM (n = 40), OP (n = 50), and DM + OP (n = 50) groups. Their clinical data were collected, and muscle function assessed. The levels of fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), t-P1NP, and 25(OH)D were determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, high-pressure liquid chromatography, electrochemical immunoassay, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively.
Results: The 25(OH)D levels were lowest in DM + OP group, followed by the OP group, and highest in the DM group (p < 0.05). The DM + OP group showed significantly lower gait speed and grip strength than the OP and DM groups (p < 0.05). The diagnostic AUC of 25(OH)D for OP and sarcopenia were 0.9733 (95 % CI: 0.9274 - 1.000, p < 0.001) and 0.9866 (95 % CI: 0.9632 - 1.000, p < 0.001). Patients with sarcopenia had significantly lower 25(OH)D and t-PINP levels than patients without sarcopenia (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the 25(OH)D level, duration of DM, and age were independent risk factors for sarcopenia (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Patients with DM and OP exhibit increase in the incidence of sarcopenia. Serum 25(OH)D may be used as a potential marker for the incidence of OP and sarcopenia in DM patients
Effect of low molecular weight heparin and ulinastatin as a combined therapy on soluble myeloid cell expression and intestinal mucosal function in patients with severe pancreatitis
No full textIn the earlier published article, the ethical approval number of the Methods’ section was wrongly provided by the authors. The correct approval number should be: NKYY_YWKT_IRB_2021_009_01.
New citation: Qian D, Luan X, Zhang Y. Effect of low molecular weight heparin and ulinastatin as a combined therapy on soluble myeloid cell expression and intestinal mucosal function in patients with severe pancreatitis. Trop J Pharm Res 2022; 21(7):1515-1521 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v21i7.23 Erratum: 2022; 21(11): 2493 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v 21i11.32
Earlier citation: Qian D, Luan X, Zhang Y. Effect of low molecular weight heparin and ulinastatin as a combined therapy on soluble myeloid cell expression and intestinal mucosal function in patients with severe pancreatitis. Trop J Pharm Res 2022; 21(7):1515-1521 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v21i7.2
Emodin induces osteosarcoma cell apoptosis by promoting ATM protein cleavage
No full textPurpose: To investigate the effect of emodin on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Methods: The osteosarcoma cell proliferation ability was determined by CCK-8, apoptosis level and cell cycle were determined via flow cytometry. Honechst staining was used to determine the ratio of nuclear pyknosis, Western blotting was used to determine the expression of AKT, p-AKT and caspase-3 precursor protein in each group of osteosarcoma cells.
Results: Emodin significantly inhibited the MG-63 cell proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It further blocked osteosarcoma cells in G1/G0 phase and decreased the expression of AKT, p-AKT, and caspase-3 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Emodin inhibits osteosarcoma cell growth by inhibiting ATM protein cleavage. There is a need to carry out further investigation of the effect of emodin on osteosarcoma cells using animal models in order to ascertain its potential in the management of osteosarcoma
Knockdown of PLAGL2 in hibits oral squamous cell carcinoma cell growth and cisplatin resistance via ZEB1/PD L1 pathway
No full textPurpose: To investigate the effects of pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods: The effects of PLAGL2 on OSCC (CAL-27 and HSC-3) were conducted with loss- and gain-functional assays. Cell proliferation was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Cell metastasis was assessed by Transwell and wound healing assays. Cell apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant OSCC was evaluated by flow cytometry.
Results: PLAGL2 expression was significantly elevated in OSCC (p < 0.001), while silencing of PLAGL2 significantly reduced cell proliferation and metastasis of OSCC (p < 0.001). However, overexpression of PLAGL2 promoted OSCC progression through increase in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Knockdown of PLAGL2 promoted cell apoptosis of -resistant OSCC, but significantly downregulated protein expression of programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1) and zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in OSCC (p < 0.01). Moreover, loss of ZEB1 attenuated the PLAGL2 overexpression-induced increase in ZEB1 and PD-L1. Loss of PLAGL2 also reduced in vivo tumor growth of OSCC via regulation of cluster of differentiation 4 protein (CD4) and CD8.
Conclusion: Knockdown of PLAGL2 exerts anti-tumor effects, improves cisplatin resistance, and enhances anti-tumor immunity in OSCC through suppression of ZEB1/PD-L1 pathway. Thus, PLAGL2 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC