Advanced Journal of Graduate Research
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Analysis of Metabolic Biomarkers in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD); A Comprehensive Review
Get PDFNon-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver problems across the world accounting 25% of the global population. The major groups that are mostly affected are young children and obese population. It is identified to be corelated with metabolic syndrome such as mellitus diabetes, hypertension, insulin resistance. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the robust form of NAFLD which has led to necro-inflammation and liver fibrosis. The standard and well-known diagnostic method till now is ‘liver biopsy’ but it impedes the examining of the tissue because of its invasive nature. Other diagnostic study usually involved imaging tools MRI or ultrasonography for discriminating simple steatosis with prognostic NASH also have certain limitations. Due to the ever-rising rate of NAFLD, there is an imperative need of developing non-invasive biomarkers for better monitoring and prophecy of the disease. There is also a need for the better treatment for curing NAFLD. In the knowledge of people, it has been observed that medicinal plants have known to possess professional therapeutic properties Swertia chiraiyta, a customary indigenous folk plant primordial to the upper regions of temperate Himalayas, Nepal and Bhutan is used in various ailments of liver disorders, ulcers, fever, diabetes, skin, and various other diseases. The current review focuses on epidemiologic, pathogenetic aspects and both the current and prospective biomarkers involved in NAFLD assessment that has the potential to leverage better understanding of solving the problem. Moreover, it characterizes the current treatment of NAFLD while discussing the other newer dimension of formulation for future prospects
Impact of Gender Differences and Glycated Haemoglobin on Atherosclerosis Risk in Type 2 Diabetic Patients from North Western Algeria
Get PDFIn type 2 diabetic patients, blood lipids and lipid ratios have been proven to be associated with atherosclerosis risk; however, results about the effect of gender differences had not been fully conclusive. In this transversal comparative study, a total of 129 adult type 2 diabetic patients (54 men and 75 women), from north western Algeria, was included to highlight the impact of gender differences on atherosclerosis risk (assessed by lipid ratios) according to their diabetic profile. Comparing between the two genders, no significant differences (p>0.05) were noted on diabetes duration, central obesity, body mass index and blood pressures. Moreover, the basic biochemical parameters of both glycaemic and lipid metabolism were not meaningfully divergent. However, higher significant values (p<0.05) of body weight, height, HbA1c levels, HDL and lipid ratios (TC/HDL, LDL/HDL and TG/HDL) were observed in male patients comparing to females. According to the HbA1c levels (HbA1c<7%vs. HbA1c≥ 7%); notable higher CT/HDL, LDL/HDL and TG/HDL in male patients comparing to women were found. The rates of these three lipid ratios were often higher in both classes of HbA1c. The consideration of gender differences is very important for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of atherosclerosis and CVD. The disparity in atherogenic risk, in both genders, estimated by lipid ratios need to be critically examined. Further, interventional studies are needed to determine how sex can modulate the impacts of diabetes control parameters on atherosclerosis risk
Gender Effect on Some Blood Parameters in Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis in North Western Algeria
Get PDFReplacement therapy for chronic kidney disease using haemodialysis involves the elimination of excessive toxic fluids and toxic metabolic end products from the body. Worldwide, gender significant differences exist with regard to the epidemiological aspect, evolution and blood parameters of chronic renal failure disease. In the present retrospective study, 289 medical files of adult patients (154 men and 135 women) aged 20 to 78 years were investigated to understand the relationship between gender difference and blood parameters in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis in north western Algeria. Our results revealed significant higher levels of haemoglobin (p=0.003), haematocrit (p=0.005), creatinine (p<0.001) and uric acid (p=0.037) in men comparing to women. However, women serum samples were characterized by higher significant level of platelets (p=0.002). No significant differences (p˃0.005) were observed between the two genders regarding the other parameters of blood count formula, liver function parameters, urea, mineral status (calcemia and phosphoremia), basic biochemical levels (glycaemia and lipids), C-reactive protein (CRP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). In dialysis patients, and despite the fact that some serum parameters vary significantly, the majority of the parameters recorded were often high in the males compared to the female gender. This finding may be due to the existence of specific confounding prognostic factors for each sex, which may or may not compensate for each other, therefore, ultimately, leading to overall non-significance
Market Selling Conditions and Storage Methods Influences β-carotene Stability and Retention in Biofortified Gari
Get PDFThe influence of regular market selling conditions and storage methods on β-carotene stability and retention were investigated in two different biofortified gari types. Freshly processed gari samples obtained from TMS 01/1412 and TMS 01/1371 respectively were exposed to 35-450C sunlight (ESL) and 60 watts electric bulb light (EEB); stored in black polyethylene bag (SPB) and air-tight aluminum container (SAC) respectively. The stability (using area under curve analysis) and retention (%) of β-carotene in all the experiments were monitored and compared over a period of 4 weeks. Results revealed that ESL had a huge negative influence on the stability and retention of β-carotene in the two biofortified gari types. Although EEB showed minimal but progressive negative influence, SAC followed by SPB showed the least negative influence on the nutrient stability. The overall retention of β-carotene in gari processed from TMS 01/1412 and TMS 01/1371 respectively were as follows: ESL (12.1%, 12.8%), EEB (58.5%, 47.5%), SPB (61.9%, 50.8%) and SAC (60.2%, 82.6%). SAC retained the most appreciable amount of the nutrient thus suggesting it as a better form of storage while ESL lost the largest amount of the nutrient thus portraying it as a detrimental market selling condition for the biofortified gari
Bioremediation of Spent Engine Oil on Selected Contaminated Soils within Ilorin Metropolis
Get PDFThe research aimed to investigate the bioremediation of spent engine oil on selected contaminated soils within Ilorin metropolis. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from three (3) mechanic workshops along Taiwo axis within the metropolis. The soil samples were then subjected to bioremediation using the land-farming approach. The physicochemical parameters of the soil samples before and after bioremediation were analyzed using standard methods. Bacteria were isolated using standard procedures and identified using biochemical tests and molecular methods. Results for the physicochemical parameters of the soil samples before bioremediation include particle size (all sandy in nature); pH (6.00 ± 0.14 - 6.20 ± 0.14); Organic carbon (14.65 ± 3.20 - 17.54 ± 1.87), Organic matter (33.50 ± 0.85 - 43.45 ± 9.12) and heavy metals (ND - 11.74 ± 0.07). Values after bioremediation for pH, organic carbon, organic matter and heavy metals were 8.25 ± 0.07 - 8.90 ± 0.14, 13.07 ± 0.05 - 13.25 ± 0.84, 37.25 ± 1.06 - 44.80 ± 1.13, ND - 9.40 ± 0.04 respectively. Values for bacterial count before and after bioremediation of the soil samples were 8.00 1.41 - 67.50 ± 2.12 x 105 CFU/mL and 6.50 ± 2.12 - 164.00 ± 11.31 x 105 CFU/mL respectively. Bacterial isolates were identified as Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Acinetobacter sp., and Bacillus sp. while the hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria were identified as Thalassospira mesophila strain JCM 18969; Pseudomonas fluorescens F113; Siccibacter turicensis LMG 23730; Pseudomonas Zeshuii strain KACC 15471; Pseudomonas stutzeri strain CGMCC 1.1803 and Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus strain ATCC 49840. In conclusion, the bacteria isolates effectively bioremediated the spent engine oil contaminated soils with a reduction of hydrocarbon pollutants
Relationship Between School Gardening and Self-Efficacy Towards Weekly Fruit & Vegetable Intake
Get PDFThe study was designed to understand the relationship between school gardens and student’s self-efficacy and its effect on weekly intake of fruits and vegetables. The survey used two Ugandan secondary schools; one having a well-established school garden with all students having equal opportunities to participate in the growing, harvesting and consumptions of fruits and vegetables, another not. The study followed a cross-sectional study design employing quantitative research methods. The target population comprised of late adolescents 18-22 years attending the two-selected secondary school; one in Kampala and another in Luwero districts. The school in Luwero district engaged students in gardening activities while the school in Kampala did not. Self-administered structured questionnaire was given to students to answer questions in line with the specific objectives. Data was analyzed by using Mann Whitney U test, Pearson Rank Correlation, Odds ratio and test of proportion. The mean ages of the girls and boys in the school exposed to gardening activities were 19.10±1.4 and 19.2±2.86 respectively while those for students in the unexposed school were 18.62±1.21 and 19.11±1.29 respectively. The study had more males (56.3%) than females (43.7%). Neither group met the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendation of ≥35 servings per week (≥5 servings per day) for both fruits and vegetables consumption. However, the exposed students had more weekly servings of fruits and vegetables (P>0.05) and had higher self-efficacy towards dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (P=0.007). School garden based intervention can significantly improve student’s self-efficacy towards fruit & vegetable dietary intake increasing the weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables. The findings of the study will inform policy makers on the role of school gardens in enhancing fruit and vegetable intake by in-school adolescents as they develop the Uganda’s school health policy
Utility of Biodiesel in Diesel Engine
Get PDFThe energy resources from the fossil fuels are decreasing day by day. Rather fossil fuel is costly, it creates environmental problems by producing and NOx in the environment. Now it is argent to find a solution. The solution can be renewable energy. In this paper the effort was to find the utility of biodiesels in the conventional diesel engine. This biofuel or biodiesel is extracted from Soybean methyl ester (SME). We compared the basic performance characteristics diesel, SME 20 and SME 100 in unmodified diesel engine. This experiment will be helpful to find out the utility of SME type biodiesel in conventional diesel engine so that the uses of fossil fuels can be reduced in quick rental power plants and other uses. We can use biodiesel as substitute in an economic tariff and efficient way.
The energy resources from the fossil fuels are decreasing day by day. Rather fossil fuel is costly, it creates environmental problems by producing and NOx in the environment. Now it is argent to find a solution. The solution can be renewable energy. In this paper the effort was to find the utility of biodiesels in the conventional diesel engine. This biofuel or biodiesel is extracted from Soybean methyl ester (SME). We compared the basic performance characteristics diesel, SME 20 and SME 100 in unmodified diesel engine. This experiment will be helpful to find out the utility of SME type biodiesel in conventional diesel engine so that the uses of fossil fuels can be reduced in quick rental power plants and other uses. We can use biodiesel as substitute in an economic tariff and efficient way
Effects of Chitosan and Aloe Vera Gel Coatings on the Preservation Characteristics of Cucumber Samples
Get PDFThis study evaluated the effect of Chitosan and Aloe vera gel coatings on the preservation of selected cucumber samples. Chitosan was produced from orange-crab shells with 76% degree of deacetylation while homogenized Aloe vera gel extracted from the plants was thermally pre-treated at 70 °C for 30 minutes. Coatings were applied using dipping techniques and air-dried before storage in discrete plots under ambient conditions. The study estimated physicochemical, nutritional and microbiological qualities of the coated and uncoated samples for a period of 4 weeks using standard procedures. Chitosan and Aloe vera gel had antimicrobial effect on the cucumber samples at week three while Chitosan- Aloe vera mix had more antimicrobial effect on the cucumber samples at week four of storage period. Eight bacterial and seven fungal isolates were obtained from the chitosan and Aloe vera coatings on the cucumber samples namely Aeromonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Proteus, Klebsiella, Serratia, Enterobacter, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizopus and, Saccharomyces; with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger as most occurring bacterial and fungal species respectively. Chitosan, Aloe vera and Chitosan-aloe vera mix coated samples had moisture content, protein content and carbohydrate retention of 95.09±0.01 %, 1.31±0.09 % and 0.46±0.14 %; 94.67±0.14 %, 0.65±0.03 % and 1.61±0.44 % ; 93.76±0.09 %, 1.27±0.66 %, and 0.69±0.51 % respectively. It can be concluded that Chitosan and Aloe vera gel coatings are effective in preservation of cucumbers with significant retention of nutrients and reduction in microbial contamination
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Ocimum sanctum and Cymbopogon nardus
Get PDFPlant extracts have gained popularity recently, for their importance as potential antioxidative and antimicrobial agents. These properties have been attributed to their phytochemical content. The extraction solvent and the plant part are among the factors that influence the yield of these phytochemicals This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts of the leaf and stem of Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) and Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass); two commonly occurring plants in South East Asia. The extracts were obtained by solvent extraction using water, methanol and ethanol. The percentage yield, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was investigated. The organic extracts yielded a higher percentage recovery of phytochemicals compared to the water extracts. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid in all extracts; rutin only in the leaf extracts and the citronella grass leaf extract contained both rutin and gallic acid. Antimicrobial assays were performed using the agar well diffusion method with tetracycline as positive control. Basil extracts exerted a greater inhibitory growth on both S. aureus and E. coli. S. aureus was found to be more susceptible to the presence of plant extracts. Water extracts did not display any zones of inhibition. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay was used to study the antioxidant effect with Vitamin C (0.1mg/ml) as positive control. The results indicated that the Basil leaf extracts possessed greater antioxidant potential compared to the stem. The study concludes that organic extracts of O. sanctum and C. nardus possess pharmaceutical properties
Assessment of Different Seedling Production Techniques of Euterpe edulis
Get PDFEuterpe edulis is an endangered species with high importance ecologically and economically. Seedling production seems to be one of the most important alternatives to population recovery. Besides that, the knowledge of seedling production methods' influence over germination is very restricted. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of parent populations, germination conditions, and the substrate to commercial seedling production of E. edulis. Nine thousand seven hundred and thirteen seeds were distributed between the heated water and control, greenhouse and open-field treatments. The parent population presented high differences between most of the germination indexes. Influencing the germination rate, mean germination time and germination speed, but not affecting synchrony and uncertainty indexes. Heated water treatment did not affect any of the studied indexes, presenting a close pattern of germination over time, indicating it is an appropriate method for seedling production. Greenhouse and open-field treatment presented variations at the same indexes affected in the parent population analysis. The most profitable method for E. edulis seed germination was the greenhouse production method, which provided the best indexes results