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Abstract Background It is a known fact that arginine is a common substrate for arginase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, an imbalance between both enzymes could lead to a change in airway responses. Reports suggest that increased activities of both enzymes could lead to airway hyper-responsiveness. Thus, the requests for NOS inhibitors that can also inhibit arginase as the elevated activities of both enzymes have detrimental consequence on airways in asthma. Bioactive compounds from Azadirachta indica, Crinum glaucum, and Mangifera indica are documented for anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-histaminic, smooth-muscle relaxants, and anti-allergic potentials. However, the mechanisms of action of these bioactive compounds in conferring the aforementioned protections are not well characterized. The objective of this present study is to assess in silico inhibitory potentials of these bioactive compounds against NOS and arginase via binding at their active sites. The crystal structures of NOS and arginase were retrieved from the protein database, while the bioactive compounds were retrieved from PubChem. Drug-likeness of the selected bioactive compounds was assessed using DruLiTo software. The successful compounds were docked with active sites of enzymes using AutoDock Vina docking software, and the docked complexes were analyzed using LigPlot and protein-ligand profiler web server. Results The findings of the study revealed that the bioactive compounds from A. indica, C. glaucum, and M. indica were able to interact with the active sites of NOS and arginase with the exception of gallic acid (from M. indica) and nimbandiol (from A. indica); these compounds showed differential binding energies (kcal/mol) and a number of them had higher binding energies than l-arginine when docked with NOS. Conclusion Conclusively, the in silico analysis proposes that these compounds could prove to be probable anti-asthmatic drugs.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: على مر السنين، أثبتت أزاديراشتا إنديكا، مانجيفيرا إنديكا ومورينجا أوليفيرا أن لديهم بعض الخصائص المضادة للفيروسات. تطبق هذه الدراسة تقنيات الالتحام الجزيئي لتقييم الآثار المثبطة لبعض المركبات البيولوجية النشطة من النباتات المذكورة أعلاه ضد الإنزيم البروتيني الرئيس، وهو البروتين الرئيس المتضمن في تكاثر فيروس سارس-كوفيد-٢. وعلاوة على ذلك، تم توقع فحص المركبات للكشف عن الامتزاز والتوزيع والتمثيل الغذائي والإفراز والسمية في السيليكو. طرق البحث: تم الحصول على التركيب البلوري للإنزيم البروتيني الرئيس من قاعدة بيانات البروتين، بينما تم الحصول على المركبات البيولوجية النشطة من الكيمياء المنشورة. وتم تقييم تشابه الأدوية للمركبات المختارة ودواء التحكم (الهيدروكسيكلوروكوين). كما تمت ترسية المركبات المطابقة لقاعدة الأدوية المشابهة ضد الإنزيم البروتيني الرئيس، وتم تحليل المجمع الرأسي باستخدام خدمة التعريف ليج بلوت والبروتين المجند. تعرضت أفضل خمس مركبات ناجحة إلى فحص الامتزاز والتوزيع والتمثيل الغذائي والإفراز والسمية باستخدام معرف سار ادمت. النتائج: ١٧ من ٢٢ من المركبات التي تم فحصها اجتازت تقييم ليبينسكي. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، أظهرت أكثر المركبات نشاطا من النباتات التي تم فحصها إمكانات مثبطة نسبيا ضد الإنزيم البروتيني الرئيس عند مقارنتها بالهيدروكسيكلوروكوين، الأمر الذي يلمح إلى مشاركتهم المحتملة في تثبيط عملية التكاثر للإنزيم البروتيني الرئيس لفيروس سارس-كوفيد-٢. الاستنتاجات: في هذه الدراسة، معظم المكونات النباتية النشطة عرضت إمكانات مثبطة ضد الإنزيم البروتيني الرئيس لفيروس سارس-كوفيد-٢ والخصائص الدوائية المفضلة عند مقارنتها بالهيدروكسيكلوروكوين، مما يجعلها مضادات محتملة للفيروسات ضد مرض فيروس كورونا. Abstract: Objectives: Over the years, Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, and Moringa oleifera have been shown to possess some antiviral characteristics. This study applies molecular docking techniques to assess inhibitory effects of some bioactive compounds from the plants mentioned above against the main protease (Mpro), a key protein involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication. Furthermore, adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles for screened compounds were predicted in silico. Methods: The crystal structure of Mpro was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank, while the plant bioactive compounds were retrieved from Pubchem. Drug-likeness of the selected compounds and a control drug (hydroxychloroquine) were assessed, and the compounds that satisfied the drug-likeness rule were docked against Mpro. The docked complexes were analyzed using LigPlot and the protein-ligand profiler server. The top five compound hits were subjected to ADMET screening using the ADMETSar server. Results: A total of 17 out of 22 screened compounds passed Lipinski's assessment. Additionally, the most active compounds from the investigated plants exhibited relative inhibitory potentials against Mpro compared with hydroxychloroquine, which alludes to their possible involvement in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease replication process. Conclusions: In our study, most of the active phytocomponents of the investigated plants exhibited relative inhibitory potentials against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 and preferred pharmacological features when compared with hydroxychloroquine. These findings indicate these compounds are potentially antiviral candidates against SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract Background The World Health Organization has recently declared a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a pandemic and a global health emergency. The pressure to produce drugs and vaccines against the ongoing pandemic has resulted in the use of some drugs such as azithromycin, chloroquine (sulfate and phosphate), hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, favipiravir, remdesivir, ribavirin, ivermectin, and lopinavir/ritonavir. However, reports from some of the clinical trials with these drugs have proved detrimental on some COVID-19 infected patients with side effects more of which cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, macular retinopathy, and hepatotoxicity have been recently reported. Realizing the need for potent and harmless therapeutic compounds to combat COVID-19, we attempted in this study to find promising therapeutic compounds against the imminent threat of this virus. In this current study, 16 derivatives of gallic acid were docked against five selected non-structural proteins of SARS-COV-2 known to be a good target for finding small molecule inhibitors against the virus, namely, nsp3, nsp5, nsp12, nsp13, and nsp14. All the protein crystal structures and 3D structures of the small molecules (16 gallic acid derivatives and 3 control drugs) were retrieved from the Protein database (PDB) and PubChem server respectively. The compounds with lower binding energy than the control drugs were selected and subjected to pharmacokinetics screening using AdmetSAR server. Results 4-O-(6-galloylglucoside) gave binding energy values of − 8.4, − 6.8, − 8.9, − 9.1, and − 7.5 kcal/mol against Mpro, nsp3, nsp12, nsp13, and nsp15 respectively. Based on the ADMET profile, 4-O-(6-galloylglucoside) was found to be metabolized by the liver and has a very high plasma protein binding. Conclusion The result of this study revealed that 4-O-(6-galloylglucoside) could be a promising inhibitor against these SAR-Cov-2 proteins. However, there is still a need for further molecular dynamic simulation, in vivo and in vitro studies to support these findings.

The binding of Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) to its receptor causes the release of chemokine which have an implication in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis. Though, some synthetic drugs have been proved worthy as IL-17A inhibitors in the management of gout but they have been associated with a number of side effects. Polyphenols have been documented for numerous therapeutic applications. In spite of this, there are scarce data on the mechanism of action and protective potentials of polyphenolic against gouty arthritis. This present in silico study aimed to assess the inhibitory potentials and ADMET properties of selected polyphenols against IL-17A using molecular docking tools. The crystal structure of IL-17A was retrieved from the protein database, while the structures of polyphenolic compounds were retrieved from Pubchem. Drug-likeness of the polyphenols was assessed using DruLiTo. A total of 22 out of 26 polyphenols investigated passed the Lipinski drug likeness rule of five which were then docked with the active site of IL-17A using docking software, and the docked complexes were analyzed using LigPlot and protein-ligand profiler web server. The results showed that all the investigated polyphenols have appreciable higher binding affinity when compared to the standard drug (allopurinol) with pelargondin and catechin having the highest binding affinity (-7.5 kcal/mol). Furthermore, ADMET screening were carried out on the five compounds with the best hits. Conclusively, this in silico study suggests that these investigated polyphenols could serve as better replacements for synthetic drugs such as allopurinol in the management of gouty arthritis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4064236

This study examined the influence of personality traits, and work commitment on Job performance of public secondary school teachers in Oyo South Senatorial District of Oyo State, Nigeria. It also assessed the level of job performance of public secondary school teachers and investigated the combined influence of personality traits and work commitment on Job performance of these teachers with a view to improving their job performance level in the senatorial district and Oyo State in general. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The sample for this study consisted of 15 principals, 75 HODs, and 300 class teachers in the senatorial district. Five local government councils were selected from nine local government councils in Oyo South senatorial district using simple random sampling technique. Frequency counts, simple percentages, chi-square, and one-way ANOVA statistics were employed to analyze the data. The hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that 15.7%, 67.9% and 16.4% of public secondary school teachers in the senatorial district demonstrated low, moderate, and high levels of job performance respectively. Also, 72.1% of the teachers had a moderate level of work commitment, 1.7% had a high level while 11.7% had a low level of work commitment. The results further showed that there was no significant influence of personality traits on teacher’s job performance (X2 = 6.730, df = 8, p = 566). It was established that there was significant influence of personality traits on the job performance of teachers (X2 = 49.942, df = 4, p = .00). Moreover, the result showed that the combination of personality traits and work commitment will significantly influence the job performance of the teachers (F = 541.158, P > 0.05). The study concluded that work commitment had the greater influence on the job performance than personality traits.

Yams are staples in West Africa. They are propagated from tubers in an informal seed system. This encourages a build-up of diseases, and necessitates the rapid development of a formal seed system where certified seeds are functional. Although few reports exist on the use of meristem culture to generate pathogen-free yam, the success rate for the most economically important species in the sub-region, Dioscorea rotundata, for the most prevalent viruses is inadequate. To generate pathogen-free yam planting materials, the relative efficiency of tissue culture and positive selection was compared. Twenty-one asymptomatic yam plants were positively selected from 8187 stands of five landraces. Five of these stands were tested virus-negative by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Yam mosaic virus (YMV), Yam mild mosaic virus (YMMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), and by PCR for the genus Badnavirus (BV), giving 0.08% success. Single nodes of the positively selected stands were used to establish in vitro plantlets, which were screened onto bacteriological indexing medium. The same was done for meristem- and node-derived plantlets of the improved variety TDr 95/19158. Incidence of endophytes ranged from 18 to 32% in the nodal plantlets while it was 0% in the meristem-derived plantlets. The effect of meristem culture combined with thermotherapy on the virus infection status was determined using virus-tested, one week old in vitro plantlets of eight improved genotypes. These in vitro plantlets were incubated at 36 ± 0.5°C and 16 h photoperiod for 21 days, after which meristems were excised, regenerated into plantlets and re-tested for viruses. Seventy-three percent of the samples were recovered from YMV but the effect on BV was inconsistent. Positive selection can be used as a palliative in generating quality declared seed but meristem culture combined with thermotherapy is more efficient for generating certified seed tubers of yam.

This study outlines intimate partner violence and contraceptive use among married women in South-South Nigeria. Attempt was made to investigate association between intimate partner violence and use of contraception among married women in south-south Nigeria. This study utilized secondary data. Secondary data were extracted from 2013, Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) dataset. Out of the 38,948 women interviewed, this study employed sample of the 4,932 women representing the number of married women in South-South Nigeria. The analysis were done in two stages of univariate and bivariate analysis. The result showed that almost all the married women use contraceptive which indicated that contraceptive use varies significantly by age of married women, education, place of resident, wealth status and occupation. The study concluded that married women who have ever experienced sexual violence are more likely to adopt contraception than married women whose experienced physical violence and emotional violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aim to assess the condition resulted from riparian encroachment in the study area with a view to provide a baseline information for urban and surface water sustainable development. Primary and secondary data were employed. Primary data involved field survey using questionnaire in which 245 copies were administered to the selected riparian residents to evaluate their perception and experience on human effects on riparian vegetation, water body and resultant problems. Secondary data involved an existing relevant data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The survey results showed that urban growth had resulted to loss of farmland/garden (73.9%), riparian natural forest (86.1%), medicinal tree/herbs and shrub (77.1%), and useful timbers (62.8%). Riparian deforestation had also resulted to high sedimentation of the river basin (77.6%), increased river seasonal volume (76.7%),enhanced access of solid particles/materials into the river (76.7%), loss of riparian animals (82.9%), pollution of the river (75.5%) riparian flooding (75.9%) that subsequently resulted to loss of lives and properties (84.1%) and loss of valuable plant (95.9%).Therefore, the study concluded that there is significant negative effects of anthropogenic activities on River Ominla Riparian corridor and that this requires urgent attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines differentials in utilization of antenatal care services among currently married women in urban Southwest and Northwest of Nigeria. Attempt was made to investigate differentials in utilization of antenatal care services among currently married women in both regions. In-depth interviews currently married women in urban Southwest and Northwest. Secondary data were extracted from 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) dataset. Out of the 33,385 currently married interviewed, the study employed sample of 14,811 comprising 8,202 for Northwest and 6,789 for Southwest. The analyses were done in three stages of univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. The result showed evidence of higher age of respondents, higher education among currently married in southwest than northwest. The number of children ever born (CEB) among currently married in both regions were four and five respectively. For both regions antenatal care utilization increased with wealth index. The result of the multivariable analysis regarding utilization of antenatal care services, the logistic analysis shows factors such as education, religion and wealth index as the variables influencing utilization of antenatal care service in Northwest while age of respondents, occupation and CEB determined utilization of antenatal care services in Southwest than Northwest. The study concluded that currently married women in Southwest and Northwest showed differentials in utilization of antenatal care services. Currently married women in Southwest exhibiting higher utilization of antenatal care services and lower utilization in Northwest. Religion, education, wealth index, women autonomy, children ever born, distance to health and cost of antenatal care were the most important variables explaining the differentials in utilization of antenatal care services among currently married women in urban Southwest and Northwest in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted for 37 days for the purpose of investigating Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed supplementary diets containing Water-Washed Neem (Azadirachtaindica a. Juss0 Fruit and garlic (Alliumsativum). The experimental design used was a completely randomized design and the obtained data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). 12 West African dwarf Sheep were randomly allotted into 4 treatments of 3 replicates per treatment, these treatments were supplements containing 0%, 5%, 10% neem and 1.25% garlic. Panicum maximum was fed as the basal diet. The basal and supplementary diets were fed at ratio 50:50 and at 3% body weight on dry matter bases. At the end of 37 days feeding trial, rumen liquor from the experimental animals were collected for rumen fermentation characteristics and in vitro gas production. The pH of the rumen liquor had values ranging from 6.30 - 7.00 and there was a significant difference between the 4 treatments. Treatment IV had the highest acetic acid and butyric acid production while treatment II had the lowest. However, there was no significant difference amongst the 4 treatments. Propionic acid was highest for treatment I while treatment II had the lowest value. For the propionic acid, the treatment that had no inclusion of neem and garlic (the control treatment) had the highest mean value for the study. The in vitro production obtained for a standard feed sample incubated in the rumen liquor obtained from the 4 treatments were significantly affected by the inclusion of neem and garlic. It is then concluded that the inclusion of neem at 10% and garlic at 1.25% in the supplementary feed of WAD sheep will significantly reduce methane production and support ruminant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the roles and causes of leadership crisis and management strategies adopted in the attempt to resolve conflicts involving students, lecturers, and non-academic staff versus vice-chancellors in Nigeria higher institutions with particular reference to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Two basic methods of primary are adopted here, viz, questionnaire and personal interview. The questionnaire was essentially utilised to assess the leadership role of vice-chancellor in conflict management. This becomes useful when one considers the fact management of conflict resolution is always focussed around the person and office of the incumbent vice-chancellor in most universities. The interview method allows for face-to-face analysis of events thereby making it possible for clarification on controversial issues. In this way, one is opportune to ask further questions germane and relevant to this study. Data derived from the secondary sources include data already provided by original investigators. In this study, the secondary data sources include books on university administration, conflict and conflict management, governance, and other relevant books and journals. Others are published and unpublished articles, official documents, dissertations, magazines, and publications. Twoformer vice-chancellors were examined as regards the problem of perennial crisis in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Respondents were asked to rate the two former vice-chancellors using their organisational competence, leadership style and positive relation with staff and students as rating criteria. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive analysis such as scores and percentage. The study discovered evidences of mismanagement of conflict which made most conflicts in the universities violent. It observed that most conflicts in Nigerian universities might have been averted if the leadership in Nigerian universities could be more democratic, sensitive, and flexible in conflict periods. The study concluded that the welfare of staff and students should be given more attention if perennial conflicts with school authority are to be overcome in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]