Experiments were conducted with the aim of determining effects of melatonin on fluctuations in cloacal temperature (CT) and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) of layer hens. The CT of 14 ...melatonin-treated and 12 control laying hens were taken for 2 days, 1 week apart, at 06:00 h, 14:00 h and 18:00 h, using a standard digital thermometer inserted into the cloaca. The control birds were given water only, while the treated layers were individually administered at 18:00 h with melatonin orally. On day 12 of the administration, venous blood samples were collected from the layer hens to determine EOF. The overall mean CT values in melatonin-treated and control birds were 41.0 ± 0.05°C and 40.9 ± 0.04°C, respectively (P < 0.05). CT of the melatonin-treated group was lowest at 06:00 h (40.9 ± 0.10°C), but highest at 18:00 h (41.2 ± 0.05°C; P < 0.05). At 0.1%, EOF of 62.01 ± 3.75% obtained in melatonin-treated layer hens was lower (P < 0.001) than the corresponding value of 73.86 ± 2.59%, recorded in control layer hens. In conclusion, melatonin administration to layer hens sustained thermal homeostasis and decreased EOF in layer hens during the hot-dry season.
Background
The introduction of multiple avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes into Nigeria has resulted in several poultry outbreaks purportedly linked to trade and wild birds. The role of wild birds ...in perpetuating AIV in Nigeria was, therefore, elucidated.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study was conducted among wild aquatic bird species at the Hadejia‐Nguru wetlands in Northeastern Nigeria between March and April 2022. A total of 452 swabs (226 cloacae and 226 oropharyngeal) were collected using a mist net to capture the birds. These samples were tested by RT‐qPCR, followed by sequencing.
Results
Highly pathogenic AIV of the H5N1 subtype was identified in clinically healthy wild bird species, namely, African jacana, ruff, spur‐winged goose, squared‐tailed nightjar, white‐faced whistling ducks, and white stork. A prevalence of 11.1% (25/226) was recorded. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete HA gene segment indicated the presence of clade 2.3.4.4b. However, these H5N1 viruses characterized from these wild birds cluster separately from the H5N1 viruses characterized in Nigerian poultry since early 2021. Specifically, the viruses form two distinct genetic groups both linked with the Eurasian H5N1 gene pool but likely resulting from two distinct introductions of the virus in the region. Whole‐genome characterization of the viruses reveals the presence of mammalian adaptive marker E627K in two Afro‐tropical resident aquatic ducks. This has zoonotic potential.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the key role of surveillance in wild birds to monitor the diversity of viruses in this area, provide the foundations of epidemiological understanding, and facilitate risk assessment.
Herein, we describe the development of a paper-based device to detect nucleic acids of pathogens of interest in complex samples using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) by producing a ...colorimetric response visible to the human eye. To demonstrate the utility of this device in emerging public health emergencies, we developed and optimized our device to detect SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva without preprocessing. The resulting device was capable of detecting the virus within 60 min and had an analytical sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 100% with a limit of detection of 200 genomic copies/μL of patient saliva using image analysis. The device consists of a configurable number of reaction zones constructed of Grade 222 chromatography paper separated by 20 mil polystyrene spacers attached to a Melinex® backing via an ARclean® double-sided adhesive. The resulting device is easily configurable to detect multiple targets and has the potential to detect a variety of pathogens simply by changing the LAMP primer sets.
•Paper-based device utilizes RT-LAMP to detect SARS-CoV-2.•Extraction-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 in whole saliva with minimal processing.•Primer sets target the orf7a, orf7b, and orf1ab regions of SARS-CoV-2.•Configurable reaction zones enable multiplexed detection of pathogens.
Optic neuritis (ON) may be the initial manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4 Ab) is used to diagnose NMOSD. This has implications on prognosis ...and is important for optimal management. We aim to evaluate if clinical features can distinguish AQP4 Ab seropositive and seronegative ON patients.
We reviewed patients with first episode of isolated ON from Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Singapore National Eye Centre who tested for AQP4 Ab from 2008 to 2017. Demographic and clinical data were compared between seropositive and seronegative patients.
Among 106 patients (120 eyes) with first episode of isolated ON, 23 (26 eyes; 22%) were AQP4 Ab positive and 83 (94 eyes; 78%) were AQP4 Ab negative. At presentation, AQP4 Ab positive patients had older mean onset age (47.9 ± 13.6 vs 36.8 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.001), worse nadir VA (OR 1.714; 95% CI, 1.36 to 2.16; P < 0.001), less optic disc swelling (OR 5.04; 95% CI, 1.682 to 15.073; p = 0.004), and higher proportions of concomitant anti-Ro antibody (17% vs 4%, p = 0.038) and anti-La antibody (17% vs 1%, p = 0.008). More AQP4 Ab positive patients received steroid-sparing immunosuppressants (74% vs 19%, p < 0.001) and plasma exchange (13% vs 0%, p = 0.009). AQP4 Ab positive patients had worse mean logMAR VA (visual acuity) at 12 months (0.70 ± 0.3 vs 0.29 ± 0.5, p = 0.051) and 36 months (0.37±0.4 vs 0.14 ± 0.2, p = 0.048) follow-up.
Other than older onset age and retrobulbar optic neuritis, clinical features are non-discriminatory for NMOSD. We propose a low threshold for AQP4 Ab serology testing in inflammatory ON patients, particularly in high NMOSD prevalence populations, to minimize diagnostic and treatment delays.
•Taxifolin assuaged neurochemical dysfunction in brain of rotenone-toxified rats in vivo.•Taxifolin mitigated hippocampal and cortical redox imbalance in vivo.•Taxifolin interacted effectively with ...enzymes involved in neurotransmission in silico.•The structural pattern of taxifolin is associated with its neuroprotective abilities.
Exposure to rotenone could directly affects the function of mitochondrial which leads to neurodegeneration. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of taxifolin (Huāqí sōng dài; 花旗松甙) to alleviate metabolic and neurochemical alterations in the hippocampal and cortical region of brain of rotenone-toxified rats.
Male Wistar rats were subcutaneously administered 1.5 mg/kg rotenone for 10 days, followed by post-treatment with varying doses of taxifolin (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) for 3 days through the same route. Activities of mitochondrial complex I, membrane ion pump and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated in the hippocampus and cortex of the brain of rotenone-toxified rats. Markers of neurotransmitter metabolism and oxidative stress were also biochemically estimated and molecular interaction between taxifolin and tyrosine hydroxylase, monoamine oxidase, glutamine synthetase and Na+/K+ATPase was determined by in silico simulation.
Taxifolin attenuated dysfunction of mitochondrial, Na+/K+ATPase, LDH and modulate neurotransmitter metabolism. Also, the elicited oxidative stress was mitigated by taxifolin in the hippocampus and cortex of the brain of rotenone-toxified rats. Furthermore, taxifolin showed excellent interactions with targeted enzymes in silico. The highest binding affinity was recorded in taxifolin-tyrosine hydroxylase complex. Hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions were the two key molecular interaction between the taxifolin and targeted enzymes.
Taxifolin alleviates metabolic and neurochemical aberrations in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity model in rats in vivo and exhibits promising interactions with specific target enzymes that are key to neurotransmission in silico.
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In the vast majority of malignancies, the p53 tumor suppressor pathway is compromised. In some cancer cells, high levels of MDM2 polyubiquitinate p53 and mark it for destruction, thereby leading to a ...corresponding downregulation of the protein. MDM2 interacts with p53 via its hydrophobic pocket, and chemical entities that block the dimerization of the protein–protein complex can restore p53 activity. Thus far, only a few chemical compounds have been reported as potent arsenals against p53-MDM2. The Protein Data Bank has crystallogaphic structures of MDM2 in complex with certain compounds. Herein, we have exploited one of the complexes in the identification of new p53-MDM2 antagonists using a hierarchical virtual screening technique. The initial stage was to compile a targeted library of structurally appropriate compounds related to a known effective inhibitor, Nutlin 2, from the PubChem database. The identified 57 compounds were subjected to virtual screening using molecular docking to discover inhibitors with high binding affinity for MDM2. Consequently, five compounds with higher binding affinity than the standard emerged as the most promising therapeutic candidates. When compared to Nutlin 2, four of the drug candidates (CID_140017825, CID_69844501, CID_22721108, and CID_22720965) demonstrated satisfactory pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Finally, MD simulation of the dynamic behavior of lead-protein complexes reveals the stability of the complexes after a 100,000 ps simulation period. In particular, when compared to the other three leads, overall computational modeling found CID_140017825 to be the best pharmacological candidate. Following thorough experimental trials, it may emerge as a promising chemical entity for cancer therapy.
•Catechin and quercetin lessened cortical and hippocampal redox status imbalance.•They attenuated neurochemical dysfunction in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity.•They interacted effectively against ...specific targeted enzymes in silico.•Their structural patterns influenced conferred protection against neurotoxicity.•Quercetin possesses structural advantages to elicit superior activity over catechin.
Quercetin and catechin are structurally-related compounds that are capable of preventing or attenuating oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Rotenone is a naturally occurring compound that has been used to model neurotoxicity characterized by Parkinson disease-like symptoms.
This study investigated the comparative property of quercetin and catechin, to ameliorate oxidative damage and neurochemical dysfunction in hippocampal and cortical regions of brain of rats intoxicated with rotenone in vivo, supported by in silico study.
Male Wistar rats were subcutaneously administered rotenone for 10 days followed by post-treatment with catechin or quercetin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) for 3 days. Markers of oxidative stress and neurochemical dysfunction were biochemically estimated in the hippocampus and cortex of the brain of rats while in silico study was carried out to evaluate the molecular interaction of some neurochemical enzymes with the compounds.
Quercetin and catechin ameliorated the reduction in complex 1 and Na+K+ATPase activities while attenuating the elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity in the brain of rotenone-intoxicated rats. Disturbances in acetylcholine, dopamine and glutamate metabolism as well as the evoked oxidative stress in rotenone-intoxicated rats were mitigated by quercetin and catechin. The in silico study revealed the key molecular interaction between the flavonoids and targeted enzymes (tyrosine hydroxylase, monoamine oxidase, glutamine synthetase and Na+K+ATPase) to be by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction.
Catechin and quercetin significantly assuaged cortical and hippocampal redox stress and attenuated neurochemical dysfunction caused by rotenone toxicity. Furthermore, this study highlighted that the neuroprotective potentials of the flavonoids is a function of their structural patterns, and quercetin elicited superior activity over catechin due to its structural advantages.
The use of natural coagulant in water purification has gain popularities owing to the public health consequences of consuming untreated water and the carcinogenic properties of synthetic coagulant. ...In the present study, the leaf, stem, seed and bark powdered samples
Mangifera indica
were used to treat contaminated river, stream and pond water at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g/L. Microbial quality and physicochemical properties of the water samples were investigated after 0, 12 and 24 h of treatment. The results showed that the addition of
M. indica
considerably decreases or even eliminated (in most cases) the aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, salmonella and shigella in the water samples. All parts of
M. indica
tested decreased the pH, dissolve oxygen, total dissolved solid, calcium, nitrate, turbidity and chemical oxygen demand contents of the water samples when compared with untreated water. The activities of the plant materials increase with increase treatment time and concentrations. In conclusion, the raw surface water (stream, river and pond) used for the study fall short of standard.
Mangifera indica
leaf, stem, seed and bark materials improved the quality of the raw surface water based on the maximum permissible limit of microbial load and physicochemical parameters. This could serve as a cheaper and safer alternative to the synthetic coagulant.
Cancer is a major global health issue that has a high mortality rate. p53, which functions as a tumor suppressor, is critical in preventing tumor development by regulating the cell cycle and inducing ...apoptosis in damaged cells. However, the tumor suppressor function of p53 is effectively inhibited by its direct interaction with the hydrophobic cleft of MDM2 protein via multiple mechanisms As a result, restoring p53 activity by blocking the p53-MDM2 protein-protein interaction has been proposed as a compelling therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The use of molecular docking and phytochemical screening procedures are appraised to inhibit MDM2's hydrophobic cleft and disrupt the p53-MDM2 interaction. For this purpose, a library of 51 bioactive compounds from 10 medicinal plants was compiled and subjected to structure-based virtual screening. Out of these, only 3 compounds (Atalantoflavone, Cudraxanthone 1, and Ursolic acid) emerged as promising inhibitors of MDM2-p53 based on their binding affinities (-9.1 kcal/mol, −8.8 kcal/mol, and −8.8 kcal/mol respectively) when compared to the standard (-8.8 kcal/mol). Moreover, these compounds showed better pharmacokinetic and drug-like profiling than the standard inhibitor (Chromonotriazolopyrimidine 1). Finally, the 100 ns MD simulation analysis confirmed no significant perturbation in the conformational dynamics of the simulated binary complexes when compared to the standard. In particular, Ursolic acid was found to satisfy the molecular enumeration the most compared to the other inhibitors. Our overall molecular modeling finding shows why these compounds may emerge as potent arsenals for cancer therapeutics. Nonetheless, extensive experimental and clinical research is needed to augment their use in clinics.
Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive that can be toxic to multiple organs of the body. It has been demonstrated that
Garcinia kola
seed has enormous health benefits and protects against ...exposure to toxicants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of
Garcinia kola
seed extracts on multi-organ toxicity in MSG-administered rats. Methanol and alkaloid-rich extracts of
Garcinia kola
seeds (GKME and GKAE, respectively) were prepared and phytochemically characterized using HPLC–DAD. Adult male Wistar rats received 2 g/kg MSG orally for 21 days with or without co-treatment with GKME, GKAE, quercetin, or nicotinic acid. Biochemical analyses were carried out on the plasma, kidney, heart, liver, and the striatum, hippocampus, and cortex of the brain of the rats. Histopathological analysis was also carried out on the tissues and organs. Intoxication with MSG caused marked negative alterations to the levels of liver function markers, kidney function markers, and the lipid profile. MSG administration also produced deleterious effects on biomarkers related to cardiac and neurologic function as echoed by increased atherogenic and coronary risk indices, and altered levels of lactate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase and dopamine. Also, MSG-intoxication evoked oxidative damage in the kidney, heart, liver, and discrete brain regions. These biochemical findings were corroborated by histopathological observation which revealed abnormalities in the tissues of MSG-administered rats. The multiorgan deteriorative and oxidative damage, and the histopathological aberrations of MSG toxicity were mitigated by GKME and GKAE. These findings suggest that
Garcinia kola
is beneficial in ameliorating MSG-induced toxicity.
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