207 research outputs found
Antiproliferative activities of chalepin and rutamarin isolated from Ruta angustifolia on selected cancer cell lines / Musa Isah Fakai
No full textChalepin and rutamarin isolated from the chloroform fraction of Ruta angustifolia were screened against selected cancer lines namely the human hormone-dependent breast cancer cell (MCF7), human non-hormone-dependent breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231), human colon cancer cell (HT29), human colon carcinoma cell (HCT116) and a normal lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5). Phytochemical investigation on the active chloroform extract led to the isolation of chalepin and rutamarin using HPLC. These compounds were then, identified by GC-MS and NMR analysis. This was followed by cytotoxicity screening using SRB assay. Based on the IC50 at the lower time point, chalepin was further investigated for its apoptotic induction on MCF7 cell through morphological analysis using both phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy; and established biochemical assays. Western blot analysis was also conducted on MCF7 treated with chalepin. For HT29 cells, rutamarin treatment followed by downstream study on protein profiling by LC-MS approach as well as western blot analysis was performed as there were no previously reported study. The active chloroform extract showed relatively higher cytotoxic activity against MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and HT29, but no activity against MRC5 (IC50 > 100g/mL). Chalepin displayed remarkable cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines but no activity against MRC-5. Rutamarin on the other hand, showed remarkable cytotoxic activity only on MCF7 and HT29, whereas no activity against MDA-MB-231 and MRC5 was observed. In this study, morphological examinations identified typical apoptotic features such as membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic body formation. Phosphatidylserine externalisations, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity significantly increased whereas mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased in chalepin treated MCF7 cells as compared to untreated cells. Western blots results showed that the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins such as caspases, Bid and P53 were upregulated whereas cell cycle regulatory proteins such as CDK2, CDK4, cyclin A, and cyclin D were downregulated. Similarly, EGFR and its downstream cascades; (PI3K-AKT; JAK-STAT3 and Erk pathways) were also downregulated. The apoptotic effect of chalepin against MCF7 was a dose and time-dependent manner. On the other hand, Western blot results on HT29 treated with rutamarin shows that the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins such as caspases, Bid, P21, P27, and P53 was upregulated whereas cell cycle regulatory proteins such as CDK2, CDK4, cyclin A, and cyclin D were downregulated. Similarly, EGFR and its downstream cascades (PI3K-AKT; JAK-STAT3 and Erk pathways) were also downregulated. Results from proteomic profiling indicates that 2056 proteins were identified from both untreated and 6 hours rutamarin treated HT29. Following filtrations, at various levels, only 756 proteins were used for the analysis. Consequently, two sample t-test show that only one protein; mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2) (Q9Y6C9) was identified to be upregulated in 6 hours, whereas profile plot analysis indicated 20 proteins are having a similar pattern including the differentially expressed protein. These initial results, therefore suggest that chalepin and rutamarin may serve as potential anticancer agents that warrant further in-depth investigations
Hyperactive piggyBac transposase improves transformation efficiency in diverse insect species
No full textUn historien et anthropologue sénégalais : Shaikh Musa Kamara.
No full textD. Robinson — A Senegalese Historian and Anthropologist : Shaikh Musa Kamara.
The author draws the historical background and the geographical setting of Shaikh Musa Kamara's life and regrets that, notwithstanding his being a prolific historian of the Fuuta Tooro, he be so unrecognized. Robinson recounts his life and divides it in three large periods: the thirty initial years, with a studious youth and three marking influences; the time at the beginning of the colonial period, which is not very well known; and the twenty-five last years when he took up writing. The article presents Kamara's works, their characteristics and topics. A complete list of his manuscripts and a detailed table of contents of his materpiece, the Zuhur, are appended.Robinson David. Un historien et anthropologue sénégalais : Shaikh Musa Kamara.. In: Cahiers d'études africaines, vol. 28, n°109, 1988. Mémoires, Histoires, Identités II. pp. 89-116
Antibacterial activity and mechanisms of action of the semi-purified fractions from melaleuca cajuputi leaves against selected bacterial strains
No full textThe increasing incidence of bacterial infections and the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance underscores the need to find novel alternative medications from natural sources, especially medicinal plants. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activities of Melaleuca cajuputi leaf extract and unveil the possible antibacterial mechanisms of the most potent semi-purified fractions against selected bacterial strains. The mineral content in M. cajuputi leaf was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts were obtained by cold maceration. Subsequently, the most potent crude extract was fractionated to obtain semi-purified fractions by bioassay-guided fractionation technique. The antibacterial activity of the crude extracts and semi-purified Melaleuca fractions (MFs) was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to identify the chemical compositions of the most potent extract and semi-purified MFs. Mechanisms of action of the most potent MFs were investigated using time-kill assay, cell morphology examination, and in-silico molecular docking studies. The toxicity profile was evaluated using the brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). Macronutrients such as potassium (7182.042 mg/kg), sodium (3895.795 mg/kg), calcium (3730.259 mg/kg), and trace elements including iron (89.394 mg/kg), manganese (57.070 mg/kg), and zinc (51.626 mg/kg) were detected in M. cajuputi leaf extract. The antibacterial assays demonstrated that MF2c and MF2d were the most potent, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.13 mg/mL to 0.25 mg/mL and 0.063 mg/mL to 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. The bioactive compounds identified in MF2c were β-eudesmol (71.96%), α-eudesmol (18.83%), and γ-eudesmol (9.21%). Meanwhile, 2-isopropyl-10-methylphenanthrene (83.09%), 10-methylanthracene-9-carboxaldehyde (10.95%), trimethyl gallic acid (2.60%), methyl-lathodoratin (2.10%), and methoxyamine (0.28%) were identified in MF2d. Time-kill assay revealed that MF2c and MF2d exhibited concentration-dependent bactericidal effects against the tested bacterial strains. The scanning electron micrographs of the treated bacteria showed apparent cell membrane damage characterized by abnormal cell elongation, shrinkage, and organic debris on the cell surfaces. Furthermore, the in-silico molecular docking analysis revealed that 2-isopropyl-10-methylphenanthrene had the highest binding propensity against DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, D-alanyl transferase, DNA gyrase, and dihydropteroate synthase, with docking energy scores of -8.4, -6.9, -6.5, and -6.1 kcal/mol respectively. Based on the toxicity results, M. cajuputi methanolic extract (LC50 781 μg/mL showed mild toxicity, whereas MF2c (LC50 6621 μg/mL) and MF2d (LC50 1165 μg/mL) were non-toxic. In conclusion, the semi-purified MFs showed remarkable antibacterial effects and were non-toxic. The findings hold promise for developing alternative therapeutic strategies to combat bacterial infectio
Estudo da atividade biológica de Baccharis articulata, Musa x paradisiaca e rutina na homeostasia da glicose em modelos experimentais in vivo e in vitro
No full textTese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde. Programa de Pós-Graduação em FarmáciaA insulina é o principal hormônio anabólico responsável pelo controle da captação, utilização e armazenamento dos nutrientes celulares como carboidratos, proteínas e lipídios, sendo essencial para a manutenção da homeostasia da glicose, o crescimento e diferenciação celular. Defeitos na ação e/ou na secreção de insulina podem levar à hiperglicemia, característica da diabetes melito. A diabetes melito é uma patologia complexa e multifatorial de elevada morbidade e mortalidade e, por esse motivo, é considerada uma epidemia, caracterizando um problema de saúde pública mundial. Muitas plantas são conhecidas na medicina popular de diferentes culturas pelas propriedades hipoglicemiantes e tem um uso crescente no tratamento da diabetes. Os compostos fenólicos derivados de plantas, especialmente os flavonóides, apresentam diversas propriedades e tem um potencial terapêutico muito investigado. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar o efeito de extratos e frações de Bacharis articulata (carqueja) e de Musa x paradisiaca (banana), assim como do flavonóide rutina, na homeostasia da glicose em modelos experimentais in vivo e in vitro. As duas espécies foram avaliadas quanto às atividades anti-hiperglicêmica e/ou hipoglicemiante na curva de tolerância à glicose e em modelos de diabetes induzidos experimentalmente, como a secreção de insulina, o conteúdo de glicogênio hepático e muscular, a inibição das enzimas ?-glicosidases e a propriedade anti-glicação, assim como o conteúdo de flavonóides. Além disso, foi estudado o mecanismo de ação da rutina na captação de glicose e de cálcio em músculo sóleo, e também a secreção de insulina in vivo e o mecanismo de ação da rutina na captação de cálcio em ilhotas pancreáticas isoladas. Para tanto, foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos entre 50-55 dias de idade. Para a realização da curva de tolerância à glicose as coletas de sangue, para determinação da glicose e insulina sérica, foram realizadas nos tempos zero, 15, 30, 60, 120 e 180 minutos. Nos ensaios para a determinação do conteúdo de glicogênio os tecidos foram retirados dos animais 3 h após os tratamentos. As atividades das dissacaridases intestinais e a propriedade anti-glicação foram realizadas in vitro. A captação de 14C-glicose e de 45-cálcio (45Ca2+) foi estudada após a incubação do músculo sóleo com a rutina. As ilhotas pancreáticas foram isoladas e incubadas com 45Ca2+ e rutina, na presença ou não de diferentes inibidores e ativadores. Os extratos brutos, as frações n-butanol e residual aquosa de B. articulata e de M. x paradisiaca reduziram significativamente a glicemia de ratos normais hiperglicêmicos e potencializaram a secreção de insulina induzida por glicose. Além disso, observou-se um aumento no conteúdo de glicogênio no músculo sóleo e fígado após os tratamentos, principalmente com as frações n-butanol das duas espécies vegetais. Os extratos e as frações reduziram a atividade da maltase e preveniram a glicação. A rutina estimulou a captação de glicose e cálcio no músculo, estimulando a captação de glicose através da ativação de uma via insulinomimética e uma via independente da sinalização clássica da insulina. Além disso, a rutina estimulou a secreção de insulina in vivo e a captação de cálcio em ilhotas pancreática isoladas, atuando como um potencial agente secretagogo de insulina. Desta forma, apoiado nos resultados obtidos neste trabalho, propõe-se que as espécies vegetais, Baccharis articulata e Musa x paradisiaca, e o flavonóide rutina aqui estudados possam regular a homeostasia da glicose. Os mecanismos envolvem a inibição da enzima que permite a absorção intestinal da glicose, a inibição da glicação, o estímulo da secreção de insulina e o aumento na utilização de glicose pelos tecidos periféricos, evidenciando que estas duas espécies e a rutina podem atuar por múltiplos mecanismos de ação para regular a homeostasia da glicose e colaborar na prevenção das complicações da diabetes.Insulin is the main anabolic hormone responsible for controlling the uptake, use and storage of cellular nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. It is essential for the maintenance of glucose homeostasis, growth and cellular differentiation. Defects in action and / or secretion of insulin may lead to hyperglycemia, which characterizes diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a complex and multifactorial disease with high morbidity and mortality, therefore is considered epidemic causing a public health problem worldwide. Many plants are known in folk medicine of different cultures for their hypoglycemic properties showing an increasing use in the treatment of diabetes. The plant-derived phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, have several properties and their therapeutic potential has been investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of extracts and fractions of Baccharis articulata ("carqueja") and Musa x paradisiaca ("banana"), as well as the flavonoid rutin, in glucose homeostasis using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Antihyperglycemic and / or hypoglycemic activity in the curve of glucose tolerance and in models of experimentally induced diabetes, insulin secretion, the hepatic glycogen content and muscle, inhibition of the enzymes á-glucosidases and anti-glycation property were investigated, as well as the content of flavonoids. In addition, was also studied the mechanism of action of rutin in glucose and calcium uptake in soleus muscle, and also the in vivo insulin secretion and the mechanism of action of rutin on calcium uptake in rat isolated pancreatic islets. For in vivo experiments, Wistar male rats with 50-55 days of age were used. To glycemia and serum insulin determination blood samples were collected at zero, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min in glucose tolerance curve. Tissues were removed from animals 3 h after oral administration of treatments to determine glycogen contents. The intestinal disaccharidases activities and anti-glycation property were performed in vitro. The glucose and calcium uptake was studied after incubation of the soleus muscle with rutin, in the presence or not of different inhibitors and of 14C-glucose or calcium (45Ca2+). The pancreatic islets were isolated and incubated with 45Ca2+ and rutin in the presence or absence of various inhibitors or activators. The crude extracts and n-butanol and residual aqueous fractions of B. articulata and of M. x paradisiaca showed potential anti-hyperglycemic activity in hyperglycemic normal rats and potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion. Additionaly, it was observed an increase on glycogen content in muscle and liver after treatments, mainly with the n-butanol fractions of two species. The extracts and fractions reduced the activity of maltase and prevented glycation. Also, rutin stimulated glucose and calcium uptake in soleus muscle, stimulating glucose uptake via activation of an insulin-mimetic and an insulin-independent signaling pathways. Additionally, rutin stimulated insulin secretion in vivo and calcium uptake in isolated pancreatic islets, as a potential insulin secretagogue agent. Thus, these results suggest that Baccharis articulata, M. x paradisiaca and rutin are able to regulate glucose homeostasis. The mechanisms involve the inhibition of the enzyme that allows the intestinal absorption of glucose, the inhibition of glycation, the stimulation of insulin secretion and increase in glucose utilization by peripheral tissues showed that these plant species and rutin may act by multiple mechanisms of action to regulate glucose homeostasis, thereby contributing to the prevention of diabetes-related complications
Effect of 1-month war in Lebanon on sex ratio
No full textOur study showed no effect of 33-day war in Lebanon on sex ratio. More research is needed to explore other modifying factors for a better understanding of the complex effect of wars on sex ratio changes. © 2009 American Society for Reproductive Medicine.Abu-Musa A, 2008, REPROD BIOMED ONLINE, V17, P21; Abu-Musa AA, 2007, FERTIL STERIL, V88, P1579, DOI 10.1016-j.fertnstert.2007.01.067; Ansari-Lari M, 2002, J EPIDEMIOL COMMUN H, V56, P622, DOI 10.1136-jech.56.8.622; Bisioli C, 2004, HUM REPROD, V19, P218, DOI 10.1093-humrep-deh027; *CAP OCHA, 2006, LEB CRIS FLASH APP; Catalano R., 2003, HUM REPROD, V9, P1972; Catalano RA, 2005, SOC SCI MED, V60, P537, DOI 10.1016-j.socscimed.2004.06.008; *CENTR ADM STAT PR, LEB REP; Fukuda M, 1996, HUM REPROD, V11, P1244; Fukuda M, 1998, HUM REPROD, V13, P2321, DOI 10.1093-humrep-13.8.2321; Graffelman J, 2000, HUM BIOL, V72, P433; Grech V, 2000, J EPIDEMIOL COMMUN H, V54, P244, DOI 10.1136-jech.54.4.244; Hansen D, 1999, BRIT MED J, V319, P548; Hilsenrath RE, 1997, FERTIL STERIL, V68, P510, DOI 10.1016-S0015-0282(97)00247-1; Jacobsen R, 2000, HUM REPROD, V15, P2369, DOI 10.1093-humrep-15.11.2369; James WH, 2004, HUM REPROD, V19, DOI 10.1093-humrep-deh261; James WH, 2004, HUM REPROD, V19, P1250, DOI 10.1093-humrep-deh245; James WH, 2003, HUM REPROD, V18, P1133, DOI 10.1093-humrep-deg220; Mathews T J, 2005, Natl Vital Stat Rep, V53, P1; Mocarelli P, 2000, LANCET, V355, P1858, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(00)02290-X; Moller H, 1996, LANCET, V348, P828, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(05)65253-1; Polasek O, 2005, HUM REPROD, V20, P2489, DOI 10.1093-humrep-dei097; Safarinejad MR, 2001, UROLOGY, V58, P90, DOI 10.1016-S0090-4295(01)01085-8; Shearer D, 2007, DISASTERS, V31, P336, DOI 10.1111-j.0361-3666.2007.01012.x; vandenBroek JM, 1997, LANCET, V349, P805, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(05)60234-6; Zorn B, 2002, HUM REPROD, V17, P3173, DOI 10.1093-humrep-17.12.317311
Evaluation of the Insecticidal and Deterrence Properties of Pepper Fruit, Dennetia tripetala (G. Baker) and Ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe against Maize Weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.)
No full textLaboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal and deterrent properties of pepper fruits (Dennetia tripetala) and ginger (Zangiber officinale) against maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. One hundred grams of maize were weighed into 500ml kilner jar and treated with 0%, 1%, 5% and 10% powders each of D. tripetala and Z. officinale in a 4x4 factorial combinations on weight by weight (w/w) basis. The experiments were laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated four times. Results showed significant (P<0.05) percentage mean adult mortality of 13.34, 15.34 and 16.33 post treatment with D. tripetala and 11.33, 14.33 and 18.7 post treatment with Z. officinale at 10% after 24, 48 and 72h respectively over other levels. At 5%, the percentage adult mortality was significantly higher than at 1% and the control after 72 hours post exposure. Significantly (P<0.05) higher percentage adult mortality was also observed in the 10% combinations of the tested plant products of 4, 5.33 and 5.67 after 24, 48 and 72 hours of storage for D. tripetala and Z. officinale respectively. Also, significantly (P<0.05) higher adult mortality 1065.66 and 1070.33 were observed on Z. officinale and D. tripetala treated seeds after 10 weeks storage period. The 10% treatment combination of the tested powders also showed significantly (P<0.05) higher adult mortality, which was however, not significantly different(P>0.05) from the 10% D. tripetala and 5% Z. officinale and also10% Z. officinale and 5% D. tripetala. Significantly (P<0.05) higher percentage adult deterrence of 46.53% was obtained when 10% D. tripetala was applied compared to the other levels. Significant (P<0.05) reduction in the number of adults that emerged was observed when treatment concentrations increases. The studies showed that extracts of Z. officinale and D. tripetala can be used effectively singly or in combination as grain protectants in stored maize for the management of S. zeamais. Keywords: Dennetia tripetala, Sitophilus zeamais, mortality, deterrence, protectant
Extensive facial adenoma sebaceum: Successful treatment with mechanical dermabrasion: Case report
No full textThis report documents the successful elimination of disfiguring sebaceous adenomas from the face of a 21-year-old male patient with mechanical dermabrasion. © 2005 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Apfelberg D B, 1980, Lasers Surg Med, V1, P71, DOI 10.1002-lsm.1900010108; ARNDT KA, 1982, PLAST RECONSTR SURG, V70, P91, DOI 10.1097-00006534-198207000-00021; BELLACK GS, 1986, OTOLARYNG HEAD NECK, V94, P37; DASILVAOLIVEIRA A, 1980, J DERMATOL SURG ONC, V6, P586; DRAKE DB, 1992, ANN PLAS SURG, V28, P377, DOI 10.1097-00000637-199204000-00015; Earhart R N, 1976, J Dermatol Surg, V2, P412; Finch TM, 1998, CLIN EXP DERMATOL, V23, P201; Fischer K, 2001, ANN PLAS SURG, V46, P332, DOI 10.1097-00000637-200103000-00022; KAUFMAN AJ, 1995, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V33, P770, DOI 10.1016-0190-9622(95)91814-0; KAVANAGH KT, 1986, ARCH OTOLARYNGOL, V112, P886; MENON PA, 1982, J DERMATOL SURG ONC, V8, P984; MORGAN JE, 1977, PLAST RECONSTR SURG, V59, P124, DOI 10.1097-00006534-197701000-00028; NICKEL WR, 1962, ARCH DERMATOL, V85, P209; Pringle JJ, 1890, BRIT J DERMATOL, V2, P1; Song MG, 1999, DERMATOL SURG, V25, P970, DOI 10.1046-j.1524-4725.1999.99132.x; SPENLER CW, 1988, ANN PLAS SURG, V20, P586; Verheyden CN, 1996, PLAST RECONSTR SURG, V98, P777, DOI 10.1097-00006534-199610000-00003; VOGAT E, 1983, Z HAUTKRANKHEITEN, V58, P646; WESTON J, 1985, ANN PLAS SURG, V15, P132, DOI 10.1097-00000637-198508000-00007; WIDGEROW AD, 1989, S AFR MED J, V76, P16941
Al-Nur (The Light), v. 1, 1984
No full textThe Muslim Association of StoutEDITORIAL: Many people do not know what is Islam. For what value is it in human existence. Who is considered to be a Muslim and many other questions. For those that they knew Islam, they might have learnt it in a different views or had a bias sentiment of anti-Islam. So Islam as a complete and true way of life for human entity was ordained to us by almighty Allah (God) in a comprehensive forms, revealed to generation upon generation through his blessed prophets. In which the last among them is Muhammad (peace be upon him) for Islam. So as a result of this Muslim Association of Stout members decided to prepare this journal which contains Muslim views about Islam. Which we hope will give a little light to both Muslim and non-Muslim. This could also solve a lot of ambiguity especially in minds of persons novice to this religion. Finally, we seek the protection and guidance of almighty Allah (God) in the right path. May Him forgive us for our mistakes in the process of interpreting His sayings. And for those who are not knowledgeable about Islam, may Him give them the ability to understand and make use of it as expected. The theme of this association is not only to explain what is Islam, but as well encourage strong relationship amongst students of Stout and the community Muslims or non- Muslim. The association is welcoming any discussion, observation and commentary in regard to this journal
Production and characterization of bacterial cellulose synthesized by Enterobacter chuandaensis strain AEC using Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata
No full textBacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer synthesized extracellularly by certain bacteria through the polymerization of glucose monomers. This study aimed to produce BC using Enterobacter chuandaensis with fruit extracts from Phoenix dactylifera (D) and Musa acuminata (M) as carbon sources. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed characteristic cellulose vibrations, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified distinct peaks at 15.34°, 19.98°, 22.58°, and 34.6°, confirming the cellulose structure. Whole-genome sequencing of E. chuandaensis identified key genes involved in BC production. The BC produced then exhibited a molecular weight of 1,857,804 g/mol, with yields of 2.8 g/L and 2.5 g/L for treatments D and M, respectively. The crystallinity index of the purified BC was 74.1, and 13C NMR analysis confirmed the dominant cellulose Iα crystalline form. The BC showed high biocompatibility in cytotoxicity assays, with cell viability between 92% and 100%, indicating its potential for use in biomedical applications. This investigation represents the first report of BC production by E. chuandaensis, which promises a new avenue for sustainable and efficient BC synthesis using fruit extracts as carbon sources. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024
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