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Syzygium aromaticum Ethanol Extract Mitigates Formalin-induced Inflammatory Oedema: In Vivo Evaluation and Molecular Mechanism Exploration.
No full textChemotherapy-associated side effects significantly contribute to the challenges of cancer treatment, impacting the well-being of patients and complicating existing conditions. Chemotherapy-induced oedema, characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation and swelling, worsens cancer-related issues, such as impaired wound healing. This oedema may result from drug-induced vascular changes and electrolyte imbalances. Addressing such side effects is crucial for improving prognostic outcomes of cancer patients. The rat paw oedema model is a valuable tool for studying inflammatory oedema, testing novel therapies, and understanding their mechanisms. Conventional treatments for cancer chemotherapy-induced oedema have limitations, highlighting the need for alternative or complementary approaches, such as exploring natural products like Syzygium aromaticum (clove), known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to alleviate edema. This study examined the effects of Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract on inflammatory oedema in rats, identified the responsible active compound (s), and explored the possible mechanism involved through computational modeling. Ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum (SAEE) was prepared. In vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the extract were evaluated at a specific controlled timeframe in formalin-induced paw oedema in Wistar rats. The binding affinities and interactions of the initially identified chemical constituents of the extract were modeled, through Glide standard precision and quantum polarized ligand docking, against cyclooxygenase-2 for their potential for their possible inhibitory mechanism. SAEE displayed significant time- and dose-dependent amelioration of inflammatory oedema and dose-dependent inhibition of key proinflammatory cytokines in the rat models. In silicomodeling of identified SAEE compounds revealed delphinidin, rhamnetin, and quercetin as responsible for the observed in vivo protective effects of SAEE in rat paw oedema models. This study found that Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract effectively reduced inflammation-induced paw swelling and modulated key inflammatory markers in the rats, with the inhibitory activities of constituting delphinidin, quercetin, and rhamnetin against cyclooxygenase 2 being possibly responsible for the observed in vivo effects. Further experimental validation and dynamic simulations are needed to confirm their potential potency in more advanced preclinical and clinical models, as well as explore the mechanistic pathways involved
Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Education: Integration of AI into Science Education Curriculum in Nigerian Universities
No full textInternational Journal of Artificial Intelligence for Digital Marketing Volume 1 Number 1 2024This study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into science curricula at Nigerian universities, motivated by the imperative to prepare students for the evolving demands of the digital age. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research explores the impact of AI integration on learning outcomes, student engagement, and overall educational quality in science education. Quantitative analysis focuses on academic records, assessing the performance metrics of 180 science education students enrolled in AI-integrated courses across three Nigerian universities. Diverse representation across institutions and academic levels ensures comprehensive insights. Qualitative data, gathered through semi-structured interviews with three experienced lecturers, delves into their perspectives on AI integration in science education. Interviews, conducted via online platforms, highlight the rationale for integrating AI into the curriculum and the lecturers' experiences with AI in their classrooms. Statistical analysis of quantitative data, including regression analysis, identifies patterns and correlations in student performance. Qualitative data undergoes thematic analysis, revealing key insights and recurring themes within educators' and students' narratives. The results demonstrate a tangible link between AI integration and science education, offering a nuanced understanding of advantages and disadvantages. This research advocates for an adaptive curriculum that equips students with AI-related skills, contributing valuable insights for educational stakeholders on effective AI integration into science curricula. Ultimately, the study aims to foster the development of future experts capable of leveraging AI for scientific innovation in Nigeria's evolving technological landscape
Crude Oil Biodegradation Potential of Lipase Produced by Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil
No full textMicrobial biodegradation of oil pollutants and their derivatives has become the most environmental-friendly method in the developing world. The aim of this study was to evaluate crude oil biodegradation potential of lipase produced by indigenous bacteria from oil contaminated soil. Indigenous bacteria isolates were identified as species of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the isolates were able to produce lipase as revealed in their zone of clearance on tween 80 agar plates and the presence of lipase produced by the two bacteria were further confirmed using spectrophotometric analyses. Lipase produced by B. subtilis showed maximal lipase activity at pH 8 and 40 while the enzyme produced by P. aeruginosa showed maximal lipase activity (U/mL) at pH 8 and 50
when subjected to various pH and temperature respectively. Lipase produced by B. subtilis recorded 8.11 ± 0.70 of crude oil degradation in mineral salt medium within 28 days, while that of P. aeruginosa recorded 15.6 ± 0.03 of crude oil biodegradation. The GC–MS analysis of the crude oil treatment showed complete mineralization of several compounds, and also showed peak reduction which indicates lipase efficiency in the degradation of hydrocarbons. As revealed by GC–MS analysis, out of the 8 hydrocarbons identified in an undegraded oil, 5 were completely degraded by the enzyme activities while 2 (toluene and methyl, cyclopentane) were identified with hydrocarbons treated with lipase. The enzymes produced by B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa can serve as useful product for bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil
Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the Survival rate and Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
No full textThis study evaluated the efficacy of including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Brewer’s yeast in the diet of
Clarias gariepinus. Two hundred and twenty-five C. gariepinus sourced from Fisheries and
Aquaculture Research Farm, Federal University Wukari, were used for the study. The fish were
conditioned for 14 days, distributed into the experimental tanks consisting of 45 fish per treatment in
three replicates in a completely randomised design model and were fed for 84 days. Five experimental
diets were formulated with brewer’s yeast replacing fishmeal at 0% 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%
inclusion levels. The fish were fed 5% of their body weight twice daily. Growth parameters such as
mean weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate were evaluated. The water quality parameters
were monitored and recorded throughout the period of experiment. The results showed significant
(p<0.05) differences on the feed intake (911.67g/day – 1120.33g/day), weight gain (401.7g – 459.0g),
and specific growth rate (0.80g/day - 0.88g/day) of C. gariepinus. This apparently suggested that S.
cerevisiae is a potential economical and nutritious feed ingredient for fish. Based on this finding, it was
concluded that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be included in fish diet up to 75% without impacting
negatively on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus
Bacterial biofilm formation and anti-biofilm strategies
No full textBacteria are ubiquitous prokaryotes. They are involved in biofilm formation and also have the ability to produce anti-biofilm products for biofilm mitigation. This special issue entitled: “Biofilms- community structure, applications and mitigation” of the journal Research in Microbiology was designed to discuss the flexibility of bacterial biofilms and their products under particular circumstances. Given that quorum sensing (QS) controls biofilm growth in some situations, especially for pathogenic bacteria antibiotic evading strategies. In Gram-negative bacteria, N-acyl homoserine lactones are the major quorum sensing signaling molecules. Another approach to prevent bacterial biofilm formation may be to inhibit the QS-regulated activities using quorum quenching (QQ). In this context, QS inhibitors and QS enzymes are important because they, respectively, interfere with signal creation, perception, or degradation and chemical modification. There have been numerous reports of QQ enzymes from bacteria. Treatment failure and recurrent staphylococcal infections are also brought on by biofilm development, which boosts an organism's ability to withstand antibiotics and is thought to be a virulence factor in patients. However, polyphenol quercetin antibiofilm activity is naturally available against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
In: Aransiola, S.A., Bamisaye, A., Abioye, O.P., Maddela, N.R. (eds) Marine Bioprospecting for Sustainable Blue-bioeconomy.
No full textMetabolites and/or products originating from living things, including microbes, plants, and animals, are referred to as natural products. For thousands of years, people have used and consumed natural goods in various forms all across the world. Natural products derived from marine microbial sources have gained a lot of attention lately because of developments in X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, deep-sea exploration technology, and other separation techniques. It is believed that the harsh conditions found in the sea, which include high or low temperatures, high pressure, low pH, and high salt concentrations, give marine microbial products their distinct physiological characteristics and unusual chemical structures. Because symbiotic microbes that produce natural products coexist with macroorganisms such as sponges and corals, it is also possible to extract marine natural products of microbial origins from them. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, microalgae, marine micro-animals, and symbiotic microorganisms are some of the major categories of marine microorganisms. More than 30,000 marine microbial products have been found since the first ones were isolated in the 1950s. Nigeria has a lot of potential for extracting lucrative marine microbial products because of its long coastline and big surface area. Products made from marine microorganisms are widely employed in the food and beverage, agricultural, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The Nigerian economy and its businesses stand to gain greatly from these broad use cases. However, to fully capitalize on these advantages, a thorough investigation of Nigeria’s maritime habitats should be carried out in conjunction with companies to find and market marine microbial goods
Use of maize cob-activated charcoal for wastewater treatment in aquaculture for reuse
No full textThis study investigated the efficacy of activated charcoal made from maize cobs for
processing wastewater obtained from aquaculture. The main objective was to develop a
low-cost and efficient way to recycle wastewater for aquaculture, part of efforts to tackle
water scarcity in Northeast Nigeria. The research evaluated the efficiency of activated
charcoal derived from maize cobs in treating aquaculture wastewater, optimal treatment
duration, and its impact on the survival rate of Clarias gariepinus. Carbonizing maize cob
charcoal was achieved by burning dry maize cobs in a 5L tin as a makeshift kiln with little
or no air and activated using lemon juice. The treatment efficiency of the activated
charcoal was tested by assessing water quality parameters before and after treatments.
Results of pH and ammonia in this study reduced from 8.60 to 7.68 and 1.50 to 0.31 mg/l
respectively while dissolved oxygen increased from 3.06 to 3.51 mg/l after a 24-hour
treatment period. Clarias gariepinus cultured for 56 days in the treated water had a
growth of 12.11g from 2.00g, a total length of 4.82cm, a specific growth rate of 3.22%/d,
and an 86.67% survival rate. This study concludes that the use of maize cob-activated
charcoal is a suitable and affordable method for treating aquaculture wastewater for reuse,
improving fish survival and growth rates
Fostering Critical Thinking and Global Awareness through Project-Based Learning in the 21st Century Classroom
No full textThis study investigated the effectof Project -Based Learning (PBL) in promoting the growth of critical thinking and global awareness in the 21st -century classroom. Fueled by the backdrop of growing societal complexities and globalization, the research made a strong case for preparing students with some basic competencies beyond traditional academic knowledge. A quasi experimental design was used in which pre and post assessments of improvements in critical thinking abilities and global awareness were assessed in a sample of 100 students. The results showed that students who had been exposed to PBL have much better critical thinking skills and global competencies as compared to students who used the conventional instructional methods. We found PBL encouraged active learning and collaboration, and students demonstrated engagement toward real world issues that will prepare them to face complex global challenges. In addition, the research offered the best practices for integrating PBL into educational curricula. This contributes to the continuing discussion of alternative pedagogical methods that ameliorate the faults of typical education and, in doing so, better train students for success in an interconnected world
Development of a Prototype Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicle Prototype with Object Detection and Avoidance System using Raspberry-PI
No full textIn this study, the development of a solar-powered autonomous vehicle prototype with an object detection and avoidance system was implemented and achieved using Raspberry Pi. The advancements in science and technology research have given rise to the robust adoption of smart means of transportation, from steam engines to energy efficient means such as solar, electric, and hybrid-powered vehicles to ease transportation of people, goods, and services with increased human comfortability. Autonomous vehicles (AVs)offer a degree of self-control in driving in which a normal car requires a driver to execute such tasks e.g., braking, acceleration, and steering. An autonomous vehicle, requires sensors, controllers, algorithms, actuators, computers, and advanced software embedded in various locations on the vehicle to perform effectively. The study attempted to proffer solutions to the menace of human errors in decision-making while driving through the use of advances in scientific technology that have given rise to modern approaches to problem-solving. In Nigeria, almost 50% of road accidents were a result of poor decisions leading to the loss of lives and properties. The vehicle uses ultrasonic sensors and a USB webcam to detect and avoid obstacles on its path with the aid of a Raspberry Pie program that effectively executes decision-making changes to manoeuvre the vehicle away from objects on a free path. The study observed that as
motor frequency is increased the speed of the AV increases and thus covers distances faster as compared to when the frequency is reduced. However, the increase in frequency also consumes energy faster. Charging rates were compared between the grid and solar photovoltaic, the grid system recorded faster charging rates when the vehicle was
stationary while the solar photovoltaic charged the vehicle at stationary and in motion
Crude Oil BiodegFlehradation Potential of Lipase Produced by Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil
No full textMicrobial biodegradation of oil pollutants and their derivatives has become the most environmental-friendly method in the developing world. The aim of this study was to evaluate crude oil biodegradation potential of lipase produced by indigenous bacteria from oil contaminated soil. Indigenous bacteria isolates were identified as species of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the isolates were able to produce lipase as revealed in their zone of clearance on tween 80 agar plates and the presence of lipase produced by the two bacteria were further confirmed using spectrophotometric analyses. Lipase produced by B. subtilis showed maximal lipase activity at pH 8 and 40 while the enzyme produced by P. aeruginosa showed maximal lipase activity (U/mL) at pH 8 and 50
when subjected to various pH and temperature respectively. Lipase produced by B. subtilis recorded 8.11 ± 0.70 of crude oil degradation in mineral salt medium within 28 days, while that of P. aeruginosa recorded 15.6 ± 0.03 of crude oil biodegradation. The GC–MS analysis of the crude oil treatment showed complete mineralization of several compounds, and also showed peak reduction which indicates lipase efficiency in the degradation of hydrocarbons. As revealed by GC–MS analysis, out of the 8 hydrocarbons identified in an undegraded oil, 5 were completely degraded by the enzyme activities while 2 (toluene and methyl, cyclopentane) were identified with hydrocarbons treated with lipase. The enzymes produced by B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa can serve as useful product for bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil