21 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 textAntibacterial 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
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
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
Response of Potential Stored Grain Insect Pests to BFL 225 Multi-Attractant Lure in Commercial Warehouses.
No full textFarmers generally store their harvested products to ensure a continuous food supply for their household, provide seed for subsequent crops and farm, and as a source of income because it allows farmers to sell the products for cash or to exchange it for other products. But the introduction of new crop varieties, satisfying primarily an increased yield, has led to a contemporary selection of plants susceptible to infestation by insects, due to a loss of resistance to insect attack. Studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of traps baited with the kairomone BFL 225 multi-attractant lure for the detection and monitoring of storage insect pests into commercial warehouses in southern Nigeria for ten months. This trapping experiment demonstrated that floor traps baited with BFL 225 lure significantly (P< 0.001) captured insects compared to the unbaited (control). The predominant insects captured include Sitophilus spp., Plodia interpunctella, Tribolium castaneum, Callosobruchus maculatus, Alphitobius laevigatus and Rhyzopertha dominica. The implication of his study is that BFL 225 could be utilized as a part of integrated pest management strategies for early detection of potential insect pests migrating into stored grain warehouses in tropical Africa. Keywords: Baited traps, storage pests, kairomone, monitoring, warehouses
TOWARDS INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMEs): THE CRITICAL ROLE OF PRODUCT INNOVATION
No full textInternationalisation of business is not limited solely to large and multinational corporations alone, today the business world has witnessed many case scenarios where Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs) are predominantly gaining a wave and spaces at the international market. The growing share in the developed and even in the developing economy explains their s t r o n g p a r t i c i p a t i o n t o t h e internationalisation. The aim of this paper is to examine how small and medium-sized enterprises internationalise by using innovative approach to their product development, and how this influences their internationalisation process. The focus therefore is on obtaining better understanding of the role of innovation for the SMEs as a driver for their participation at the international market environment. The paper adopts a literature survey where extant literatures are reviewed with a view to gaining an insight into the role of innovation in the internationalization process. The paper concludes that being innovative and vast in R&D can lead to gaining many accesses to the international market, seeking more opportunity and discovering new market for products and services. It recommends that managers of SMEs should focus on new technology, effective Research and Development, and try to be responsive to market changes in the industry they belong to. This can be achieved by having an effective and efficient management that values innovation for change not for fashion
EVALUATION OF ACID HYDROLYSED STARCH DERIVED FROM DIGITARIA IBURUA AS BINDER
No full text  Objective: This research work was aimed at investigating the binding properties of Digitaria iburua starch (DS) and acid hydrolyzed starch or microcrystalline starch (MCS) in the formulation of metronidazole (MET) tablet comparing it with gelatin (GLT) as a standard binder.Methods: DS was obtained from steeping the D. iburua grains in water. MCS was produced using 6 N HCl at 50°C for 24 hrs. The dilution potential test was conducted. MET granules of binder concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5% w/v) of DS and MCS was prepared by wet granulation method and compared with GLT. The granules flow properties were evaluated. The particle size distribution of the granules was determined. The quality of tablets was assessed by standard methods.Results: A yield of 62.88% w/w DS was obtained whereas MCS was found to be 85.14% w/w. The MCS was unable to bind MET at all ratios. The granules had good flow and compressible properties and are uniformly distributed. The crushing strength (CS) of the binder types is ranked: GLT>MCS>DS. The friability (FR) values decreased with increase in binder concentration for all binder types. Only FR at 12.5% w/v of MCS and GLT was <1%. The disintegration time (DT) increased with increase in binder concentration. The (CS/FR)/DT values of DS and MCS obtained >2.Conclusion: The Carr\u27s index, Hausner\u27s ratio and (CS/FR)/DT values suggests that DS and MCS are poor binders.Keywords: Acid hydrolyzed starch, Excipients, Digitaria iburua, Metronidazole.Â
Quality Parameters of Some Selected Potable Packaged Water in Minna, Nigeria
No full textThis study was conducted on sachet water samples mostly consumed in Minna Nigeria. Six types of sachet water samples were collected (A, B, C, D, E and F) and the six were randomly selected from the numerous sachet water factory in Minna. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of sachet water used as drinking water and domestic purpose by looking into the microbiological aspect and several physicochemical analyses such as turbidity, pH and total suspended solid (TSS). The microbiological analyses were performed to trace the presence of indicator organisms and pathogens such as Escherichia coli and total coliform count. However, the total coliforms and E. coli were detected to range between 0 and 43 cfu/100mL while the E. coli ranged between 0.00 and 7.00 cfu/100mL. The pH value was slightly alkaline (pH >6.5) but below 9.5 which within the recommended standards. The TSS for the samples ranged between 45 and 190 mg/L which were very low compared with the recommended values and the turbidity for all the samples were recorded below 2 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) thus, complying with the regulations. All the water samples were fit to be consumed except those with high values of E. coli and total coliform count. Keywords: Drinking water, filters, microbiology, physicochemical, quality, sachet wate
Optimization of citrus peels <scp>D</scp>-limonene extraction using solvent-free microwave green technology
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