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MicroRNA 744 induces apoptosis and autophagy in human gastric cancer by targeting heparanase-1
No full textPurpose: To study the possible anti-cancer effects of miR-744 on human gastric cancer cells, and the underlying mechanism.
Methods: The mRNA expression of miR-744 was determined using qRT-PCR, while CCK-8, Annexin V/PI and acridine orange assays were used to determine cell viability, apoptosis and autophagy, respectively. The expressions of target proteins were determined using qRT-PCR and Immunoblotting.
Results: Significant suppressions of miR-744 were observed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-744 inhibited the proliferation while silencing of miR-744 promoted the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, the tumor-suppressive effect of miR-744 in gastric cancer was due to induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Heparanase-1 (HPSE-1) was identified as the target of miR-744. Silencing of HSPE-1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, whereas its overexpression significantly restored the growth-inhibitory effects of miR-744 overexpression on gastric cancer (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results indicate that miR-744 exerts a tumor-suppressive effect on the growth and proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro by targeting HPSE-1. There is need to further determine the anti-cancer effect of miR-744 expression in animal models
Analgesic properties of newly synthesized N pyrrolyl hydrazide hydrazones
No full textPurpose: To screen a series of newly synthesized N-pyrrolyl hydrazide hydrazones for analgesic activity via Paw-pressure (PP) test and hot plate test (HPT).
Methods: The compounds newly synthesized through the classical Paal-Knor cyclization, N-pyrrolyl hydrazide-hydrazones were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Paw pressure and hot plate tests were applied to assess the analgesic properties. In addition, stress-induced analgesia with naloxone as a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist was performed.
Results: The compound (DI-5g), containing an izatine carbonyl fragment, was the most promising. It presented the highest paw pressure threshold (25 AU at 30th min) by exceeding the analgesic activity of the referent metamizole (23 AU at 30th min). The relative effect from the hot plate test was consistent with the paw pressure results. Opioid receptors were involved in the analgesic activities of N-pyrrolyl hydrazide-hydrazones.
Conclusion: The N-pyrrolyl carboxylic acids are synthesized and identified as new compounds and their hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives as promising leads for future design and synthesis of drugs with possibly prolonged analgesic activity
Effect of methanol aqueous extract of Satureja montana and two of its bioactive components on memory in rats
No full textPurpose: To investigate the effect of Satureja montana Lamiaceae extract on cognition in rats.
Methods: A total of 128 male, 8-week-old Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly and equally assigned to 16 groups (n = 8), which were orally given either saline and olive oil (two negative and two positive controls), S. montana Lamiaceae (250 and 500 mg/kg), RA (15 mg/kg), or carvacrol (500 mg/kg). For each experimental model, acute cold stress and chronic unpredictable mild stress models were used to induce memory impairment in rats. A new object recognition test was used to investigate cognition.
Results: Acute stress did not produce a significant impact on cognition (p > 0.05). However, S. montana at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly increased the discrimination index, relative to positive control rats (p = 0.001), while the lower dose of dry extract and RA had significant impacts only on time spent on new object investigation (p = 0.025 and p = 0.014, respectively). Chronic stress significantly reduced the duration of new object investigation but not the discrimination index (p = 0.037 and p = 0.009). Both doses of Satureja montana and RA increased levels of all studied parameters when compared to positive saline group, as well as novel object recognition when compared to RA and carvacrol (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Satureja montana and RA (but not carvacrol) have moderate effects on cognition abilities in rat models of acute and chronic stress. More research is required to establish the specific biochemical processes through which S. montana and RA affect memory
Co administration of oxiracetam and monosialotetrahexosylganglioside for the treatment of patients with craniocerebral injury, and their effect on serum S100 proteins and neuron specific enolase
No full textPurpose: To determine the efficacy of oxiracetam plus monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) in the treatment of craniocerebral injury, and its effect on serum S100 proteins and neuron-specific enolase (NSE).
Methods: A total of eighty patients with severe craniocerebral injury admitted to Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital between January 2020 and December 2021 were selected for the study, and assigned 1:1 to control group (GM1 only, 2 mL daily through intravenous drip) and study group (GM1, 2 mL daily through intravenous drip, in combination with oxiracetam, and 4 g dissolved in 100ml of saline daily through intravenous drip). The treatment duration was two months.
Results: Baseline patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). GM1 plus oxiracetam produced better restoration of cranial functions of patients after craniocerebral injury when compared with GM1 alone, as evidenced by the significantly lower S100 proteins and NSE levels of the study group than the corresponding parameters of the control group after 1, 2, 3, and 7 days of treatment (p < 0.05). More significant mitigation of inflammatory reactions was observed in patients co-administered GM1 and oxiracetam than in those who received GM1 only, as shown by the lower serum concentrations of inflammatory factors {(c-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and neuropeptide Y (NPY)} in the study group as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). A few patients experienced minor adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and headache, and rash during treatment (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Co-administration of oxiracetam and GM1 is a viable strategy for the treatment of patients with craniocerebral injury, as it significantly lowers the levels of serum S100 proteins and NSE, mitigates inflammatory reactions, and ameliorates cerebral hemodynamics in patients. The combined therapy also has a good safety profile
Distribution, structure et usages de Mansonia altissima ; Une espece menacee dans les ecosystemes forestiers humides du Togo
No full textLes peuplements ligneux à Mansonia altissima (connue sous le nom de “bété”) sont menacés d’extinction dans les forêts denses humides (zone écologique IV) du Togo par la caféiculture, la cacao-culture et l’exploitation intenssive du bois par les populations locales. La présente étude a pour objectifs de caractériser la dynamique actuelle des populations de l’espèce par analyse de la structure démographique ; de cartographier sa distribution dans la zone d’étude grâce au logiciel QGis et enfin, recenser les différents usages par des enquêtes ethnobotaniques. L’analyse des résultats montre une faible richesse spécifique de la zone d’étude avec un total de 124 espèces appartenant à 108 genres et 49 familles. La carte de distribution spatiale de M. altissima présente des occurrences essentiellement dans trois localités les plus humides du bassin du Litimé dans la zone écologique IV du Togo. L’analyse des structures en diamètres des 4 groupements obtenus montrent une prédominance des individus jeunes de 10 à 20 cm de diamètre ; ce qui témoigne des fortes pressions anthropiques. Les résultats des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont montré que Mansonia altissima est exclusivement utilisé comme bois d´œuvre au Togo. Pour sauvegarder cette espèce, elle doit être prise en compte dans des programmes de sensibilisation et de reboisement, sur la base de ces résultats afin de protéger son biotope qui est la forêt dense humide.
English title: Distribution, structure and uses of Mansonia altissima ; an endangered species in the humid forest ecosystems of Togo
Woody stands of Mansonia altissima (known as “bété”) are threatened with extinction in the dense humid forests (ecological zone IV) of Togo due to coffee cultivation, cocoa-cultivation and the intensive exploitation of wood by local populations. The objectives of this study are to characterise the current population dynamics of the species by analysing the demographic structure of Mansonia ; to map its distribution in the study area using QGis software and finally, to identify the various uses by ethnobotanical surveys. Results shows a low species richness in the study area with a total of 124 species belonging to 108 genera and 49 families. Spatial distribution map of M. altissima shows occurrences mainly in three wettest localities of the Litimé plain in ecological zone IV of Togo. The pattern of distribution of Diameter in the four groups obtained shows a predominance of young individuals with a diameter of 10 to 20 cm, which testifies to the strong anthropic pressures. Ethnobotanical surveys showed that Mansonia altissima is used exclusively as timber in Togo. Safeguarding this species requires awareness and reforestation programs, based on these results in order to protect its biotope. 
Dynamique saisonnière des tiques (ixodidae) parasites des animaux domestiques a Kindia en basse Guinée (République de Guinée) en 2018
No full textContexte: L’étude de la diversité et la Dynamique Saisonnière des tiques ont été effectuée entre Janvier et Décembre 2018 dans les sites et milieux écologiques (Abattoir et Parc de bovins) dans la Préfecture de Kindia (République de Guinée).Méthode: Ont servi pour l’identification des tiques, les clés pour l’identification des tiques du Cameroun, le microscope binoculaire/loupe. La collecte dépendait de l’aire de distribution, leur densité, leur habitat et leurs conditions environnementales.Résultats: Un total de 2274 tiques relevant de 4 genres (Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Haemaphisalis) et 8 espèces: Amblyomma-variegatum, Amblyomma splenditum, Rhipicephalus geiggi, Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus sulcatus, Haemaphisalis leichii-leichii et Hyalomma truncatum.Les plus répandues en saison pluvieuse sont les: Amblyomma-variegatum (69,04%), Rhipicephalus geiggi (27,83%) et en saison sèche, Hyalomma truncatum reste et demeure la moins rencontrée dans la préfecture de Kindia. Le plus grand nombre de tiques se rencontrait en saison pluvieuse avec 1409 soit (61,95%) contre 865 (38,03%) en saison sèche.Ce présent travail, a pour objectif de: contribuer à l’amélioration de l’état de santé animale en République de Guinée.
Background: The study of diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of ticks were conducted between January and December 2018 in ecological sites and environments (Slaughterhouse and Cattle Park) in the Prefecture of Kindia (Republic of Guinea).Method: For the identification of ticks, the keys for the identification of ticks in Cameroon, the binocular microscope / magnifying glass were used. The collection depended on the area of distribution, the density, the habitat and environmental conditions.Results: A total of 2274 ticks belonging to 4 genera (Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Haemaphisalis) and 8 species: Amblyomma-variegatum, Amblyomma splenditum, Rhipicephalus geiggi, Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus sulcatus, Haemaphisalis leichii-leichii and Hyalomma truncatum.The most widespread in the rainy season are: Amblyomma-variegatum (69.04%), Rhipicephalus geiggi (27.83%) and in the dry season, Hyalomma truncatum remains and is the least encountered in Kindia Prefecture. The greatest number of ticks was found in the rainy season with 1409 (61.95%) against 865 (38.03%) in the dry season.The objective of this work is: to contribute to the improvement of the state of animal health in the Republic of Guinea
Profil épidémiologique, clinique, paracliniques et thérapeutique de l’insuffisance rénale chez les patients atteints de covid-19 au centre anti – Covid de Lomé (Togo)
No full textObjectif : Décrire le profil épidémiologique, clinique, paraclinique et thérapeutique, des patients positifs à la covid-19 présentant une insuffisance rénale (IR).Patients et méthode : Il s’est agi d’une étude rétrospective descriptive menée sur une période de 12 mois portant sur les patients atteints de Covid-19 présentant une insuffisance rénale au centre anti – covid-19 de Lomé –Togo.Résultats : au cours de la période d’étude, sur 482 patients ayant fait la créatinine dans ce centre, 52 avaient une IR, soit une fréquence 10,8%. L’âge moyen des patients était de 58,02 ans et la sex-ratio était de 1,26. A l’admission, 98,1% des patients présentaient au moins un symptôme. La dyspnée, la saturation pulsée en oxygène (SaPO2) <92%, FR<30cpm et la fièvre étaient les plus fréquents et retrouvés respectivement dans 63,5%, 59,6%, 43,8% et 38,5%. La vitesse de sédimentation était accélérée dans 92,3% et la C-réactive protéine élevée dans 88,9%. 25 patients (48,10%) avaient un débit de filtration glomérulaire (DFG) entre 30 et 60 ml/min/1,73m2, et 16 patients un DFG<15. Sur le plan thérapeutique, le protocole « Chloroquine – Azithromycine » était le traitement le plus utilisé (84,6% des cas) suivi de l’oxygénothérapie dans 61,5% des cas. Trente-six patients (69,2%) ont été admis en réanimation. L’admission en réanimation, l’oxygénothérapie et le protocole « Chloroquine – Azithromycine » étaient les facteurs statistiquement liés au degré de l’IR. Conclusion : L’IR au cours de la covid-19 est très fréquente au Togo d’où l’intérêt d’un dépistage précoce pour une meilleure prise en charge afin d’améliorer le pronostic des patients.
Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic profile of Covid-19 positive patients with renal failure (RF).Patients and method: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted over a period of 12 months on Covid-19 patients with renal failure at the anti-Covid-19 center of Lomé-Togo.Results: During the study period, out of 482 patients who had a creatinine test in this center, 52 had IR, i.e. a frequency of 10.8%. The mean age of the patients was 58.02 years, and the sex ratio was 1.26. On admission, 98.1%of patients had at least one symptom. Dyspnea, pulsed oxygen saturation <92%, respiratory frequency <30cpm and fever were the most frequent and found in 63.5%, 59.6%, 43.8% and 38.5% respectively. The sedimentation rate was accelerated in 92.3% and the C-reactive protein was elevated in 88.9%. 25 patients (48.10%) had a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 30 and 60 ml/min/1.73m2, and 16 patients a GFR<15. Therapeutically, the "Chloroquine - Azithromycin" protocol was the most used treatment (84.6% of cases) followed by oxygen therapy in 61.5% of cases. Thirty-six patients (69.2%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Admission to intensive care, oxygen therapy and the "Chloroquine-Azithromycin" protocol were the factors statistically related to the degree of RF.Conclusion: RF during covid-19 is very frequent in Togo, hence the interest of an early detection for a better management to improve the prognosis of patients
Water Quality Indices and Potability Assessment of Three Streams in Akwa North and South Local Government Areas, Anambra State, Nigeria
No full textmanagement of water quality, control of water pollution and environmental protection for preservation of living conditions of fresh water bodies for the future necessitated careful routine monitoring. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to assess the water quality indices and anthropological suitability of three streams in Akwa North and South Local Government Areas, Anambra State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties using standard procedures and the quality assessed using water quality index model. The result results revealed that the water samples from the three sampling sites were acidic to alkalinity in pH, moderate in temperature. The dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphate levels were found to be above World Health Organization (2011) standard limits except total suspended solids values. Water quality index value for all sampling sites ranged from 31.41 to 52.49, respectively revealing the three streams were moderately polluted with different industrial influents. Statistically, there were significant (p < 0.05) differences detected among the means of pathogenic groups, physicochemical parameters and sampling points but non – significant (p > 0.05) differences detected among the means of sampling sites. Thus, the physico- chemical baseline data from this study suggest the public health danger of the three streams to the inhabitants utilizing them as sources of water. Strict preventive measures and awareness campaigns should be put in place by government and water environmental policy makers to guarantee the public health safety of these fresh water resources.
 
A simple and low-cost new procedure for synthesis of nickel(II) and cadmium(II) sulfides in situ thiourea metal–chelation precursor
No full textABSTRACT. Nickel(II) and cadmium(II) sulfides are a promising chemical material in various advanced research areas such as solar cells, supercapacitors, catalysts, and of significant interest for their practical implementations in up to photonics and electronics. Cadmium and nickel sulfides were synthesized with stoichiometries in aqueous media at elevated temperature from Ni(NO3)2.6H2O, NiCl2.6H2O, NiSO4.6H2O, CdCl2, Cd(NO3)2.4H2O, CdSO4.8H2O and thiourea as a sulfur precursor using a direct chemical reaction. At room temperature an octahedral and tetrahedral geometries result from the reactions between different nickel(II), cadmium(II) and thiourea with the molecular formulas can be presented as [Ni(NH2CSNH2)6]X2 and [Cd(NH2CSNH2)4]X2 where X = Cl-, NO3-, SO42. The novelty of our study is precipitated yellow cadmium sulfide and black nickel sulfide at elevated temperature ~80 oC through the molar ratio 1:10 (M2+: thiourea) in aqueous media. Infrared spectra, XRD, TEM including EDX, and elemental analysis were used for characterization the metal sulfides products. The average crystalline size of obtained CdS and NiS particles in range 20-25 nm. Different reaction conditions effects were evaluated on the size, morphology and particle size.
KEY WORDS: Nickel and cadmium sulfide, Chelation, Thiourea, XRD, TEM
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 663-674.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.10
 
An index of capability for bivariate zero-inflated processes
Get PDFRapid technological advancement and implementation of automation and computerization in today's manufacturing set up resulted in many high quality processes, where defects are rarely observed. There are many high quality manufacturing processes where two or more types of defects may be generated from different types of equipment/process problems. The zeroinflated defects data containing two types of defects are commonly modeled by bivariate zero-inflated (BZI) Poisson distribution. Pal and Gauri (2022a) proposed a methodology for measuring capability of a BZI Poisson process. However, they ignored the count of zero defect (ZD) products produced in a BZI process. Because of that, Pal and Gauri (2022a) proposed approach fails to discriminate the BZI processes which produces different proportions of ZD units but having almost the same proportion of nonconforming items with respect to the USL of combined number of defects or USLs of individual defect types. In this paper, a new measure of process capability for BZI processes is proposed that can truly discriminate different BZI processes taking into account the USL of combined number of defects (or USLs of individual defect types) as well as the proportion of ZD units produced in these processes. The proposed methodology is illustrated using two case studies. The results of the case studies show that the proposed index well represents the true capability of BZI processes