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We previously showed that Erythromycin, Retapamulin, Pyridoxine, Folic acid and Ivermectin inhibit SARS-COV-2 induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in Vero cells. In this study and using validated quantitative neutral red assay, we show that the inhibition of CPE is concentration dependent with Inhibitory Concentration-50(IC50) of 3.27 μM, 4.23 μM, 9.29 μM, 3.19 μM and 84.31 μM respectively. Furthermore, Erythromycin, Retapamulin, Pyridoxine, Folic acid and Ivermectin dose dependently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease with IC50of 0.94 μM, 0.88 μM, 1.14 μM, 1.07 μM, 1.51 μM respectively and the main protease(MPRO) with IC50of 1.35 μM, 1.25 μM, 7.36 μM, 1.15 μM and 2.44 μM respectively. The IC50for all the drugs, except ivermectin, are at the clinically achievable plasma concentration in human, which supports a possible role for the drugs in the management of COVID-19. The lack of inhibition of CPE by Ivermectin at clinical concentrations could be part of the explanation for its lack of effectiveness in clinical trials.

This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacteria isolated from animals slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir. During meat inspection, 104 suspected tuberculosis lesions were sampled from a total of 102,681 animals slaughtered between November 2016 and January 2018. These samples were subjected to Ziehl Neelsen staining, followed by culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media. Subsequently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 65KDa heat shock protein (hsp65) gene were performed to identify and phylogenetically characterize the cultured organisms. Because sequencing of the hsp65 gene was unable to distinguish between Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and M. tuberculosis, PCR was performed to amplify a genomic region-specific to M. bovis in order to differentiate them from M. tuberculosis. Results showed that, 14 samples yielded growth after culture. Furthermore, hsp65 was detected in 9 out of the 14 isolates screened, 5 of the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Similarity search using NCBI BLAST tool showed the five sequences to share highest identities with Mycobacterium novocastrense (95.99%), M. canettii (94.54%), and M. tuberculosis/M. bovis (100%). Two out of the 5 isolates were confirmed to be M. bovis after PCR amplification using M. bovis specific primers. Phylogenetic tree further confirmed the identity of these isolates by placing them close to species of their kind. Further studies should be conducted to establish the transmission dynamics of the zoonotic Mycobacteria between animals and their owners, to facilitate control and eradication of tuberculosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the third most common cancer-related death worldwide. HCC is associated with a high mortality rate due to early recurrence and its distant metastasis to the nearby organs. Current treatment options include surgical removal and transplantation as well as chemotherapy, which remains a major challenge to patient treatment. Flavokawain B (FKB) is a natural bioactive molecule capable of providing effective therapy against this life-threatening disease. This study investigates the effects of Flavokawain B (FKB) on the growth and development of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. HepG2 cells were used in this study and a neutral red assay was performed to determine the anti-proliferation effects of FKB at varying concentrations. Cell scratch and exclusion zone assays were performed to assess the inhibitory effects of FKB on cell migration and invasion and relative mRNA levels were quantified using the RT-qPCR. FKB inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells at an IC50 value of 28 µM, which conforms to its apoptosis-inducing effects. Cell migration and invasion were significantly inhibited at 7, 14, and 28 µM of FBK. UCK2 expression was significantly downregulated after FKB treatments. Inhibition of STAT3 expression subsequently induced the downregulation of VEGF and HIF-1α expressions. Our data suggest that FKB inhibits HepG2 proliferation and suppresses its metastasis abilities, thus providing a potential alternative and viable strategy against HCC.

This study investigates the effects of Flavokawain B (FKB) on the growth and development of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. HepG2 cells were used in this study and a neutral red assay was performed to determine the anti-proliferation effects of FKB at varying concentrations. Cell scratch and exclusion zone assays were performed to assess the inhibitory effects of FKB on the cell migration and invasion and relative mRNA levels were quantified using the RT-qPCR. FKB inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells at an IC50 value of 28 µM, which conforms to its apoptosis-inducing effects. Cell migration and invasion were significantly inhibited at 7, 14 and 28 µM of FBK. UCK2 expression was significantly downregulated after FKB treatments. Inhibition of STAT3 expression subsequently induced the downregulation of VEGF and HIF-1α expressions. Our data suggest that FKB inhibits HepG2 proliferation and suppresses its metastasis abilities, thus providing a potential alternative and viable strategy against HCC.

Helminths infections are among the major ailments affecting humans and livestock in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world which necessitates the current need for the use of traditional plants in the treatment of parasitic diseases.The aim of this study was to determine the pathological effects of Senna italica leaves extract on Hymenolepis diminuta infection. Plant leaf were collected and processed using cold maceration method. Phytochemical composition of the plant extract was determined. Rats were grouped into five groups of five rats each for the experiment. Albendazole was used for treatment at 7.5 mg/kg as positive control, while different concentrations of 75, 150, 300 and 0.0 mg/kg of the plant extracts were used for treatment of rats in the other groups. Daily worm-egg counts from all the rats for all the groups were recorded for up to 7 days post infection. Histopathology of tissues from representative rats from all groups was conducted to determine any visible change due to the treatments. The findings have shown a significant (p

The global burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing annually. CRC could develop from genetic and phenotypic factors involving changes in gene expression. Incredibly, the human genome transcribes into non-coding RNAs, among which long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signify the most crucial part of the transcriptome in multicellular organisms. lncRNAs affect gene expression at multiple levels, from transcription to protein localization and stability. Recent studies have implicated lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) in cancers occurrence and progression. Previously, an indication suggests SNHG15 overexpression triggers proliferation, metastasis, and impedes apoptosis in CRC. Further, through its activity of binding micro-RNAs, lncRNA SNHG15 modulates genes associated with CRC progression and promotes CRC resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, we reviewed recent findings on the various mechanisms and roles of lncRNA SNHG15 implicated in CRC tumorigenesis. We further highlight how SNHG15 plays a vital role in regulating critical pathways linked to the development and progression of CRC. Finally, we highlight how SNHG15 can be modulated for CRC treatments and the various therapeutic strategies to be implored when targeting SNHG15 in the context of CRC treatments. Findings from these studies present SNHG15 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating CRC.

The commercially available Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines were developed based on Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates genetically divergent from field strains that can only prevent clinical disease, not shedding of virulent heterologous virus, highlighting the need to develop genotype-matched vaccines.This study examined the efficacy of the NDV genotype-matched vaccine, mIBS025 strain formulated in standard vaccine stabilizer, and in carboxymethyl sago starch-acid hydrogel (CMSS-AH) following vaccination via an eye drop (ED) and drinking water (DW).A challenge virus was prepared from a recent NDV isolated from ND vaccinated flock. Groups of specific-pathogen-free chickens were vaccinated with mIBS025 vaccine strain prepared in a standard vaccine stabilizer and CMSS-AH via ED and DW and then challenged with the UPM/NDV/IBS362/2016 strain.Chickens vaccinated with CMSS-AH mIBS025 ED (group 2) developed the earliest and highest Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) NDV antibody titer (8logThe efficacy of mIBS025 vaccines prepared in a standard vaccine stabilizer or CMSS-AH was affected by the vaccination routes. The groups vaccinated via ED had better protective immunity than those vaccinated via DW.

Epidemiologically, metabolic disorders have garnered much attention, perhaps due to the predominance of obesity. The early postnatal life represents a critical period for programming multifactorial metabolic disorders of adult life. Though altricial rodents are prime subjects for investigating neonatal programming, there is still no sufficiently generalised literature on their usage and methodology. This review focuses on establishing five approach-based models of neonatal rodents adopted for studying metabolic phenotypes. Here, some modelled interventions that currently exist to avoid or prevent metabolic disorders are also highlighted. We also bring forth recommendations, guidelines and considerations to aid research on neonatal programming. It is hoped that this provides a background to researchers focused on the aetiology, mechanisms, prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders.

BackgroundWith reports of surges in COVID-19 case numbers across over 50 countries, country-level epidemiological analysis is required to inform context-appropriate response strategies for containment and mitigation of the outbreak. We aimed to compare the epidemiological features of the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System data of the first and second epidemiological waves, which were between 27 February and 24 October 2020, and 25 October 2020 to 3 April 2021, respectively. Descriptive statistical measures including frequencies and percentages, test positivity rate (TPR), cumulative incidence (CI) and case fatality rates (CFRs) were compared. A p value of ResultsThere were 802 143 tests recorded during the study period (362 550 and 439 593 in the first and second waves, respectively). Of these, 66 121 (18.2%) and 91 644 (20.8%) tested positive in the first and second waves, respectively. There was a 21.3% increase in the number of tests conducted in the second wave with TPR increasing by 14.3%. CI during the first and second waves were 30.3/100 000 and 42.0/100 000 respectively. During the second wave, confirmed COVID-19 cases increased among females and people 30 years old or younger and decreased among urban residents and individuals with travel history within 14 days of sample collection (p value ConclusionNigeria experienced a larger but less severe second wave of COVID-19. Continued implementation of public health and social measures is needed to mitigate the resurgence of another wave.

Aim: The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize orf virus isolated from clinical infections in goats in Sokoto metropolis. Materials & methods: Embryonated chicken eggs were used to isolate orf virus according to the established protocol. Viral DNA was extracted and full coding region of B2L gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced and blasted for identification and phylogenetically analyzed. Results and discussion: The B2L gene sequences of the isolate showed slight variability (96–98.7%) with the reference sequences as it clustered within the same clade with Korean, Zambian and Ethiopian strains, signifying a close genetic relationship. Unique amino acid substitutions were noted. This is the first genetic characterization of B2L gene of orf virus circulating in Nigeria. Conclusion: This study has provided in sight into the genetic diversity of orf virus in the study area., Lay abstract Contagious ecthyma has for long been affecting the goat and sheep population in Nigeria leading to huge economic losses to livestock farmers through death and poor market value of the affected animals. Recently, increased death due to this disease has been reported in north-central Nigeria, but the nature of the disease-causing agent has not been reported yet. It is the aim of this study to understand the nature of the virus causing the disease in goats in Sokoto using molecular biology techniques so as to facilitate better vaccine design for the effective control of the disease in Nigeria.

Parental dietary choices and/or nutritional interventions in the offspring are critical to early life development, especially during the periods of active developmental plasticity in the offspring. Exposure to a high-fructose, high-fat diet during the fetal or neonatal period predisposes the affected individuals to the development of one or more features of metabolic syndrome, such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, and associated cardiovascular diseases, later in their life. Owing to the increasing global prevalence of metabolic syndrome and multiple side effects that accompany conventional medicines, much attention is directed towards medicinal plants and phytochemicals as alternative interventions. Several studies have investigated the potential of natural agents to prevent programmed metabolic syndrome. This present review, therefore, highlights an inextricable relationship between the administration of medicinal plants or phytochemicals during the intrauterine or neonatal period, and the prevention of metabolic dysfunction in adulthood, while exploring the mechanisms by which they exert such an effect. The review also identifies plant products as a novel approach to the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome.

Cancer metastasis research has emerged in recent years as one of the most important topics of debate in the discovery and development of novel anticancer therapies. Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common cancer worldwide, has a high mortality rate due to recurrence and distant metastasis to the liver. Several non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been linked to metastatic CRC (mCRC), including the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Metastasis-Associated Lung-Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1). MALAT1 is an RNA that has been linked to tumor cell proliferation, progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration and invasion, metastasis, and survival in mammalian species. Previously, there was no convincing evidence linking MALAT1 to mCRC. Studies have shown that MALAT1 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) with microRNAs (miRNAs) and interacts directly with oncogenes and proteins. This RNA also activates several signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and EMT. Meanwhile, standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the current treatment options for mCRC patients. However, evidence-based studies have recently demonstrated that inhibiting the MALAT1 RNA transcript can be considered as a treatment option for mCRC, highlighting the need to investigate its roles as a therapeutic target in mCRC. Thus, in this review, we looked at studies that linked MALAT1 to multiple signaling pathways implicated in mCRC, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of mCRC.

More than half a century ago, zinc was established as an essential micronutrient for normal human physiology. In silico data suggest that about 10% of the human proteome potentially binds zinc. Many proteins with zinc-binding domains (ZBDs) are involved in epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, which regulate transcription in physiological and pathological conditions. Zinc metalloproteins in epigenetics are mainly zinc metalloenzymes and zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), which are classified into writers, erasers, readers, editors, and feeders. Altogether, these classes of proteins engage in crosstalk that fundamentally maintains the epigenome’s modus operandi. Changes in the expression or function of these proteins induced by zinc deficiency or loss of function mutations in their ZBDs may lead to aberrant epigenetic reprogramming, which may worsen the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. This review attempts to address zinc’s role and its proteins in natural epigenetic programming and artificial reprogramming and briefly discusses how the ZBDs in these proteins interact with the chromatin.

Background Zinc deficiency is associated with adverse effects on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. These consequences have been reported over the years from zinc supplementation trials and observational studies whereby outcomes of maternal, foetal and infant health were measured. Owing to the importance of zinc in the functions of epigenetic enzymes, pre-clinical studies have shown that its deficiency could disrupt biological activities that involve epigenetic mechanisms in offspring. Thus, this review assessed the link between epigenetics and the effects of maternal zinc deficiency on the offspring’s health in animal studies. Methods Research articles were retrieved without date restriction from PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, as well as reference lists of relevant articles. The search terms used were “zinc deficiency”, “maternal zinc deficiency”, “epigenetics”, and “offspring.” Six studies met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed. Results All the eligible studies reported maternal zinc deficiency and observed changes in epigenetic markers on the progeny during prenatal and postnatal stages of development. The main epigenetic markers reported were global and gene specific methylation and/ or acetylation. The epigenetic changes led to mortality, disruption in development, and risk of later life diseases. Conclusion Maternal zinc deficiency is associated with epigenetic modifications in offspring, which induce pathologies and increase the risk of later life diseases. More research and insight into the epigenetic mechanisms could spring up new approaches to combat the associated disease conditions.

Many traditional vaccines have proven to be incapable of controlling newly emerging infectious diseases. They have also achieved limited success in the fight against a variety of human cancers. Thus, innovative vaccine strategies are highly needed to overcome the global burden of these diseases. Advances in molecular biology and reverse genetics have completely restructured the concept of vaccinology, leading to the emergence of state-of-the-art technologies for vaccine design, development and delivery. Among these modern vaccine technologies are the recombinant viral vectored vaccines, which are known for their incredible specificity in antigen delivery as well as the induction of robust immune responses in the vaccinated hosts. Although a number of viruses have been used as vaccine vectors, genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus (NDV) possesses some useful attributes that make it a preferable candidate for vectoring vaccine antigens. Here, we review the molecular biology of NDV and discuss the reverse genetics approaches used to engineer the virus into an efficient vaccine vector. We then discuss the prospects of the engineered virus as an efficient vehicle of vaccines against cancer and several infectious diseases of man and animals.

To gain insights into the role of CD3-/28.4+ intraepithelial lymphocytes-natural killer (CD3-/28.4+IEL-NK) cells during infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection, characterisation of the cells was performed following infection with different strains of the virus. In vitro treatment with IL-18 or ionomycin/PMA successfully stimulated and activated the cells via a significant increase in the expression of CD69, B-Lec, CHIR-AB1 and NK-lysin. Similarly, chickens infected with the vaccine strain of IBDV also up-regulated the expression of CD69, B-Lec, CHIR-AB1 and NK-lysin in CD3-/28.4+ IEL-NK cells up to 3 days post infection (dpi) and down-regulated the expression of the inhibitory receptor B-NK at 3 dpi. On the contrary, infection with the very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) strain lead to a reduced activation of the cells by down-regulating the expression of the CD69, CHIR-AB1 and NK-lysin especially at 1 dpi. These findings altogether demonstrate the differential activation of CD3-/28.4+IEL-NK cells in chicken following infection with the vaccine or very virulent strains of IBDV. The study therefore provides an important clue into the differential pathogenesis of IBDV infection in chicken. Further studies are however required to determine the functional importance of these findings during IBDV vaccination and infection.

Despite the availability of Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines for more than six decades, disease outbreaks continue to occur with huge economic consequences to the global poultry industry. The aim of this study is to develop a safe and effective inactivated vaccine based on a recently isolated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain IBS025/13 and evaluate its protective efficacy in chicken following challenge with a highly virulent genotype VII isolate. Firstly, high titre of IBS025/13 was exposed to various concentrations of binary ethylenimine (BEI) to determine the optimal conditions for complete inactivation of the virus. The inactivated virus was then prepared in form of a stable water-in-oil emulsion of black seed oil (BSO) or Freund’s incomplete adjuvant (FIA) and used as vaccines in specific pathogen-free chicken. Efficacy of various vaccine preparations was also evaluated based on the ability of the vaccine to protect against clinical disease, mortality and virus shedding following challenge with highly virulent genotype\VII NDV isolate. The results indicate that exposure of NDV IBS025/13 to 10 mM of BEI for 21 h at 37 °C could completely inactivate the virus without tempering with the structural integrity of the viral hemagglutin-neuraminidase protein. More so, the inactivated vaccines adjuvanted with either BSO- or FIA-induced high hemagglutination inhibition antibody titre that protected the vaccinated birds against clinical disease and in some cases virus shedding, especially when used together with live attenuated vaccines. Thus, genotype VII-based NDV-inactivated vaccines formulated in BSO could substantially improve poultry disease control particularly when combined with live attenuated vaccines.

Biofilms are aggregates of attached microbial organisms whose existence on tissues is often recognised as a mechanism for the establishment of most chronic diseases. Herein we investigated the ability of piscine Streptococcus agalactiae, an important aquatic pathogen, for adaptation to this sessile lifestyle in vitro and in the brain of a tilapia fish model. Piscine S. agalactiae exhibited a weak attachment to polystyrene plates and expressed a low biofilm phenotype under the study conditions. Furthermore, fluorescent in situ hybridization and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed discrete aggregates of attached S. agalactiae within brain tissues and around meningeal surfaces. They were embedded in an exopolysaccharide containing matrix, intractable to inflammatory response and showed some level of resistance to penicillin despite proven susceptibility on sensitivity test. Intracellular bacterial aggregates were also observed, moreover, antibody mediated response was not demonstrated during infection. Nucleated erythrocytes appear to facilitate brain invasion possibly via the Trojan horse mechanism leading to a granulomatous inflammation. We have demonstrated that biofilm is associated with persistence of S. agalactiae and the development of chronic meningoencephalitis in fish.

Medicinal plants are among the important source of potential therapeutic agents for diabetes. Therapeutic use of Moringa oleifera leaf extract has been practiced in management of diabetes because of its potential to decrease blood glucose and lipids concentration after ingestion. This study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on streptozocin induced diabetes Wistar rats. Initially, diabetes was induced by given streptozocin (STZ) intravenously followed by the treatments with different concentration of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract. Fasting blood glucose level was measured using Accu-Chek glucometer after 24, 48, 72 and 97 hours post treatment. There is significance difference at 0.05 in blood glucose level between the control groups and the groups that were treated with the leaf extract after administration of STZ. Hence, this plant shows high potential to be used in the management of hyperglycaemia. The need for the toxicity study to evaluate it effect in body tissues and organs is recommended. There is need to study the phytochemical constituents to identify the bioactive lead compound with ameliorative effect.

Obstructive urolithiasis is the retention of urine subsequent to the lodgement of calculi in the urinary tract from the kidney up to the urethral orifice. This report describes the post-mortem and chemical analysis findings of the calculi in an 18-month old Ouda-Yankasa cross ram presented at the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The patient was presented on 20th of March, 2013 with reports of anorexia, disinclination to drink water and anuria that developed four days before presentation at the clinic. On clinical examination, urethral blockage and mild ascites were observed. Cystocentesis was performed to relieve the patient and plain radiograph taken but was not diagnostic. The patient died before definitive diagnosis was made for rational treatment. The post - mortem findings include frothy exudate in the trachea and bronchial airways, congestion of the lungs, hydroperitoneum with recovered fluid measuring 2,350 ml, splenomegaly, hydronephrosis, distended urinary bladder, severe haemorrhagic cystitis, urinary calculi in the bladder and throughout the urethral length and urethral stricture. The urinary calculi recovered were white, friable and amorphous, ranging from small particles to 5mm in diameter. Histopathologic section of the kidney showed atrophied glomeruli. It can thus be concluded that the atrophied glomeruli in turn impaired glomerular filtration which invariably pre-disposed the patient to uraemia leading to its death. The chemical analysis of the calculi showed that the calculi was either oxalate, phosphate or silicate, or any of these mixtures. Keywords: calculi, obstruction, phosphate, uraemia

Formal systems of inquiry are of limited value when working with rural communities in developing countries. The current research used alternative systems of inquiry and learning that involved applying participatory epidemiology (PE) techniques to collect veterinary information about Newcastle disease (ND) in rural areas. Results indicated that poultry constituted the largest proportion (42.4%) of livestock species kept, and the poultry diseases that local farmers callbingiri, ciwon-sufe,dankanoman-kaji, dangari, andgurdumu are consistent with modern veterinary knowledge of Newcastle disease, respiratory disease, coccidiosis, fowl pox, and ectoparasitism, respectively.Tsuwen zaki (lion's testicle;Cucumuis pustulatus) andgarafuni (balsam pear;Momordica balsamina) are traditional remedies used to prevent Newcastle disease. Local farmers are knowledgeable about common disease that affect their poultry; they have good diagnostic abilities and can recognize clinical signs. There should be improved veterinary outreach to share some of this information via active community participation, and PE should be incorporated into state and national disease surveillance systems.

To determine the acute toxicity effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on haematological parameters, twenty albino Wistar rats weighing between 108-254 g were split into four groups of fives rat each. Different doses of the extract were administered to the 3 groups and one group is used as control. Moringa oleifera 80% methanol leaf extract was administered at 2000 mg/kg to group, 1000 mg/kg to group, and 500 mg/kg while one group was used as control. The result recorded 4 deaths (60% mortality) in groups that received 2000 mg/kg and 1 death (20% mortality) in groups that received 1000 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected from the survived rats for hematological analysis. The result showed variation in Park cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). There are significant differences at p > 0.05, p > 0.01 and p > 0.001 between groups that exposed to different doses Moringa oleifera extract and the control group. The result also shows slight variation in total and differential leucocyte count, but all the values obtained from both treated and control groups are within the normal range. There are no recorded values of eosinophil, basophil and band cells in both the control and the experimental groups. From this result, it can be concluded that high dose of this extract caused alteration in normal red cells indices with significant differences, but have mild or no effect on total and differential leucocyte count. Hence, low toxicity of this plant made it safe and good medicinal agent and or supplement. Histopatological screening as well as phytochemical study to identify the compounds that affect the blood chemistry is highly recommended.

Newcastle disease constitutes a major constraint to rural poultry production system in Nigeria. This study used serological method to estimate the level of circulating antibodies against ND in nonvaccinated village chickens, raised under traditional management system in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used to analyze 504 chicken sera for Newcastle disease virus antibodies from randomly selected households and live bird markets. Higher seroprevalence rate of Newcastle disease virus antibodies was detected in both household and live bird markets. Overall, seropositive rate was found to be 32.5% (164/504). About 35.8% (115/321) sero-positive rate was obtained from live bird markets while 26.8% (49/183) seropositive rate was found in households. Comparison was made between the sero prevalence of house hold and live bird markets as well as between sexes. Live bird markets show a statistically significant higher prevalence rate (P<0.05) when compared with chickens sampled from households (OR 1.53; 95% CI, 1.024–2.275). The prevalence of ND indicated the presence of the virus amongst the population, and hence there should be an improvement in the vaccine campaign against ND for rural poultry especially the use of thermostable vaccine to reduce the chances of vaccine failure.

Uridine-cytidine kinase 2 is an enzyme that is overexpressed in abnormal cell growth and its implication is considered a hallmark of cancer. Due to the selective expression of UCK2 in cancer cells, a selective inhibition of this key enzyme necessitates the discovery of its potential inhibitors for cancer chemotherapy. The present study was carried out to demonstrate the potentials of natural phytochemicals from the rhizome of Alpinia mutica to inhibit UCK2 useful for colorectal cancer. Here, we employed the used of in vitro to investigate the effectiveness of natural UCK2 inhibitors to cause HT-29 cell death. Extracts, flavokawain B, and alpinetin compound from the rhizome of Alpinia mutica was used in the study. The study demonstrated that the expression of UCK2 mRNA were substantially reduced in treated HT-29 cells. In addition, downregulation in expression of 18S ribosomal RNA was also observed in all treated HT-29 cells. This was confirmed by fluorescence imaging to measure the level of expression of 18S ribosomal RNA in live cell images. The study suggests the possibility of MDM2 protein was downregulated and its suppression subsequently activates the expression of p53 during inhibition of UCK2 enzyme. The expression of p53 is directly linked to a blockage of cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase and upregulates Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase 3 while Bcl2 was deregulated. In this respect, apoptosis induction and DNA fragmentation were observed in treated HT-29 cells. Initial results from in vitro studies have shown the ability of the bioactive compounds of flavokawain B and alpinetin to target UCK2 enzyme specifically, inducing cell cycle arrest and subsequently leading to cancer cell death, possibly through interfering the MDM2-p53 signalling pathway. These phenomena have proven that the bioactive compounds could be useful for future therapeutic use in colon cancer.

Background: Since ancient time, increased interest has been witnessed in the use of an alternative herbal medicine for managing, and the treatment of fungal diseases worldwide. This may be connected to the cost and relative toxicities of the available antifungal drugs. It has been a known tradition practiced in the northern part of Nigeria that parents and teachers use the white latex of Calotropis procera to treat Tinea capitis in children attending the local religious school in the area. This study was conducted in 2009 to ascertain the above claim. Materials and Methods: Fresh latex of C. procera was screened for their antifungal activity against species of dermatophytes: Trichophyton spp., Microsporum spp. and Epidermophyton spp. using the agar incorporation method. Results: The result shows that the latex inhibits the in vitro growth of these pathogenic fungi to varying extents with Trichophyton spp. being the most susceptible (P < 0.05) and thus highly inhibited by the latex followed by the Microsporum spp. and Epidermopyton spp. was least inhibited. These inhibitions followed a dose-dependent trend as undiluted latex (100%) gave the highest inhibitory impacts (P < 0.05) when compared to serially diluted latex. The phytochemical analysis of the fresh latex indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponin, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinone, and triterpenoids. Conclusion: The findings of this study confirmed the perceived usefulness of the latex in the treatment of T. capitis (ringworm) practiced in our society and therefore, its use topically in the treatment of dermatomycotic infection is encouraged.

Parasitological examination using concentration techniques, which included sedimentation (Formol-Ether) and floatation technique (Sucrose) were employed on the faecal samples of twenty-six (26) cats, comprising of juveniles and adult cats. The cats were stray cats roaming around the study areas. Ten (10) different types of parasites were found to be infecting the cats. Mixed infection with more than one genus of helminthes was also observed. The public health significance of the parasites and the need for their control were discussed.