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Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis, Identification of the Vectors and Associated risk factors in Asossa District of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia.

¹ Mubarik Kedir, ^*2 Mohammed Abdulkadir and ^*3 Haile Worku

^{1 and *2} Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Assosa tsetse fly and trypanosomosis control and surveillance center, Asossa, Ethiopia. Email: mubeks@gmail.com and dr.mamedoo@gmail.com

^*3 Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resource, P.O. Box: 30 Assosa, Ethiopia. Email: workuhaile29@gmail.com.

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2018 to June 2019 in Asossa district of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, identification of circulating trypanosome species, vectors and associated risk factors. Blood samples were collected from a total of 250 cattle and examined using buffy coat technique. Overall 250 (4.8%) bovine trypanosomosis prevalence was recorded. The major species of Trypanosoma identified include; Trypanosoma congolense (58.33%), Trypanosoma vivax (25%), Trypanosoma brucei (8.33%) and mixed infection accounted for 8.33%.  Mean packed cell volume (PCV) value of the infected animals was lower (22.33% + 1.99) than uninfected animals (26.95% + 2.9) and the variation was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Overall, anemia prevalence of 27.6% (69/250) was recorded and it was significantly higher (66.66%) in infected cattle than in non-infected (25.63%). Significant difference was not observed between sex groups and age categories (p>0.05) but there was significant difference in the prevalence of trypanosomosis among study sites and body conditions (P< 0.05).  Glossina morsitans sub morsitans was the only tsetse fly caught and its mean apparent density measured as fly/trap/day was 0.39. In addition, mechanical vectors of trypanosomosis such as Tabanus (0.26f/t/d), Stomoxys (0.23 f/t/d),) and Haematopota (0.13 f/t/d) were identified.  In conclusion, the result of the current study shows lower prevalence of Trypanosomosis, compared to the previous studies. Therefore, continuous and strategic control measures should be carried out to eliminate this economically important disease.

[Mubarik Kedir, Mohammed Abdulkadir and  Haile Worku. Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis, Identification of the Vectors and Associated risk factors in Asossa District of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia. Life Sci J 2023;20(1):1-8]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online).

http://www.lifesciencesite.com.01.doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.01.

Key words: Asossa, Trypanosomosis, Tsetse fly, prevalence, Risk factors

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Morphological and DNA Barcode Identification of the Delottococcus confusus, (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive alien species to China.

Zhao Lang

Zhengzhou Foreign Language School, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China

3262857331@qq.com

Abstract: This study was initially carried out based on an unidentifiable mealybug in the fresh-cut flowers bought in the market. Using morphological and DNA barcoding techniques, the mealybug was finally identified as Delottococcus confusus. Native to South Africa, it is the main pest of Proteaceae plants and has been banned from entry in many countries due to its damage to citrus. As of 2021, the area planted with citrus in China has exceeded 2,617,333 hectares. Therefore, the invasion of Delottococcus species will seriously threaten the development of the citrus industry in China. Mealybugs are small in size and tend to be hidden, making them very easy to spread via the fresh-cut flowers of Proteaceae plants. It’s imperative to strengthen the quarantine of nursery stock, cut flowers and fruits to prevent pests from entering China and harming the ecological safety of agriculture and forestry.

[Zhao Lang. Morphological and DNA Barcode Identification of the Delottococcus confusus, (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive alien species to China. Life Sci J 2023;20(4):9-17]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 02. doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.02.

Keywords: Leucospermum nutans, Delottococcus confusus, Morphological characteristics, DNA barcoding, South Africa, fresh-cut flowers, phylogenetic trees

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Phytochemical and synergistic antimicrobial effects of Morinda lucida, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf extract

Samuel Ehiabhi Okhale^1*, Chisom Prisca Okoli¹, Chinyere Imoisi², Adamu Aliyu¹, Toyosi Kazeem³, Victor Ogwekpe Egbeneje⁴

¹Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Idu Industrial Area, P.M.B. 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.

²Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

³Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Idu Industrial Area, P.M.B. 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Chemistry, Benue State University, Nigeria.

* Corresponding Author: E-mail: samuelokhale@gmail.com; Phone: +2348036086812

Abstract: Morinda lucida, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sarcocephalus latifolius are reputable medicinal plants with long history of uses in the treatment of variety of diseases. A combination of the leaves of Morinda lucida, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sarcocephalus latifolius prepared as a decoction is used in Nigeria as remedy for Lymphatic filariasis, including complicated cases with wounds or sores. Extracts of the leaves of Morinda lucida (ML), Anogeissus leiocarpus (AL), Sarcocephalus latifolius (SL) and a combination of the three plants (mixed) were obtained by decoction. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis using standard methods and high performance liquid chromatography. The extracts were also evaluated singly and in combination for DPPH antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella puemoniae, Bacillis subtillis, Candida albicans. Phytochemical analysis showed the plants contained saponins, terpenes, sterols, phenolics and tannins. The HPLC spectrum of Morinda lucida showed thirteen peaks with betulinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and ferulic acid predominating. The HPLC spectrum of Anogeissus leiocarpus showed major peaks being gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid. The HPLC spectrum of Sarcocephalus latifolius showed major peaks being betulinic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin. The HPLC spectrum of the combination showed major peaks as betulinic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin. Anogeissus leiocarpus extract had the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities followed by the combination. The study provided preliminary preclinical data supporting ethnopharmacological use of the combination therapy for treatment of Lymphatic filariasis.

[Samuel Ehiabhi Okhale, Chisom Prisca Okoli, Chinyere Imoisi, Adamu Aliyu, Toyosi Kazeem, Victor Ogwekpe Egbeneje. Phytochemical and synergistic antimicrobial effects of Morinda lucida, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf extract. Life Sci J 2023;20(4):18-29]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.03.doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.03.

Keywords: Lymphatic filariasis, Morinda lucida, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Sarcocephalus latifolius, antimicrobial.

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Overexpressing arginase-II in pre-adipocytes promotes IL-6 production through p38mapk leading to vascular endothelial inflammatory activation

Chang Liu¹,  Li Cheng^3*, Xiu Li^2*

¹ Institute of Geriatric Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Basic Medicine,

Chengdu Medical College

² Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Basic Medicine , Chengdu Medical College

³ Department of Basic Medicine, Chengdu Medical College

^# equally contributing authors

Address for correspondence:

Xiu Li

Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology

Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province

Department of Basic Medicine

Chengdu Medical College, No.783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan Province, China

Tel: 0086-28-62739329; E-mail: lixiu@cmc.edu.cn

Abstract: Both stromal cells including pre-adipocytes and adipose tissue macrophages are involved in adipose inflammation that is mechanistically linked with aging-associated diseases including atherosclerosis and type-II diabetes. Our previous studies demonstrated that arginase-II (Arg-II) promotes macrophage inflammation and endothelial dysfunction contributing to the development of these diseases. Here we investigate the role of Arg-II in pre-adipocyte inflammation and its interaction with endothelial cells. Overexpressing Arg-II in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes up-regulates IL-6 with concomitant activation of p38mapk, which is mitigated by the p38mapk inhibitor SB203580. Moreover, 3T3-L1 cells overexpressing Arg-II conditioned medium enhances vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in endothelial cells, which is inhibited by neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody. Thus, Arg-II promotes IL-6 production in pre-adipocytes through activation of p38mapk, leading to inflammatory endothelial activation.

[Chang Liu, Li Cheng, Xiu Li. Overexpressing arginase-II in pre-adipocytes promotes IL-6 production through p38mapk leading to vascular endothelial inflammatory activation. Life Sci J 2023;20(4):30-38]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.04.doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.04.

Key words: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, arginase-II, endothelial cells, inflammation, p38mapk

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COVID-19: A Framework for SARS-CoV-2 Mutations Prediction using Machine Learning Techniques

Dr Saeed QY Al Khalidi¹, Dr Prakash Kuppuswamy²

 ¹Department of Information science, King Khalid University, Abha, KSA

² Computer Networks Engineering Department, College of CS & IT, Jazan University, Jazan, KSA

prakashcnet@gmail.com, salkhalidi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 has affected entire nations and millions of people, prompting that it has been called by the WHO is known to be a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 is difficult to compare to pandemics that have occurred in the last decade or so, including bird flu, swine flu, and SARS. Pandemic now represents an enormous challenge for clinicians, health-care workers, epidemiologists, and decision-makers outside the government sectors. As of yet, no good data are available on how the mutation of the COVID-19 variant changes the risks associated with underlying comorbidities. Risks might vary by population or setting. Mutations refer to single changes in the genetic code (genome) of a virus. Although mutations are common, they rarely affect the virus' characteristics. To prevent further human deaths, the COVID-19 variant mutation must be studied, analyzed, and predicted. It may be possible to tackle this challenge by using artificial intelligence or deep learning algorithms. There should be a global discussion regarding the prediction of mutation situations and how they should be dealt with. Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool for healthcare operations in this pandemic situation. Moreover, healthcare professionals and a data analysis algorithm will probably arrive at the same conclusion based on the data set, however, the use of machine learning will allow for quicker and earlier diagnosis of any type of disease. This paper uses machine learning to help clinicians and medical researchers better understand COVID-19 variant mutations at various stages. In our proposed taxonomy, machine learning-based schemes are categorized based on the data pre-processing methods, the evaluation methods, and the applications.

[Dr Saeed QY Al Khalidi, Dr Prakash Kuppuswamy. COVID-19: A Framework for SARS-CoV-2 Mutations Prediction using Machine Learning Techniques. Life Sci J 2023;20(4):39-56]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.05.doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.05.

Key Words: Covid-19, Machine Learning, Mutation, Variant, Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Prediction algorithm

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Synthesis of Mono and Di-4′,4′-Dihydroxy-2,2-Diphenylpropane Mannich Side Chain

Anwar, E. M. Nor-Eljaleel¹, Himat, M. A. Fadul² and M. J. A. Abualreish1,³

^1,2 Department of Chemistry, Omdorman Islamic University, Faculty of Science and technology, Khartoum- Sudan.

^{1, 3} Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Four compounds of mono and di-4′,4′-dihydroxy-2,2-diphenylpropane mannich side chain were synthesized by three components Mannich reaction. These compounds (1-4) were synthesized by reaction of dialkylphenol (4′,4′-dihydroxy-2,2-diphenylpropane) with suitable secondary amines (dimethyl amine or pyrrolidine)  and formaldehyde solution in methanol. The products were purified by thin layer chromatography and identified along with by NMR spectroscopic methods (¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR, APT, COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOSEY).

[Anwar, E. M. Nor-Eljaleel, Himat, M. A. Fadul and M. J. A. Abualreish1. Synthesis of Mono and Di-4′,4′-Dihydroxy-2,2-Diphenylpropane Mannich Side Chain. Life Sci J 2023;20(4):57-61]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.06.doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.06.

Key word: Mannich reaction, three components reaction, alkyldiphenol

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Assessment of Heavy Metal and Pollution Indices in Rubber Plantation Soil: A Case Study in Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia

Fatin Hanani Ismail¹, Nor Hizami Hassin*¹, Nor Sayzwani Subki¹, Kamarul Ariffin Hambali¹, Muhamad Azahar Abas¹, Ai Yin Sow²

¹Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus, 17600, Jeli, Kelantan MALAYSIA

²Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Jeli Campus, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, MALAYSIA

*Corresponding author: Email: hizami.h@umk.edu.my

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated the concentrations of 12 selected metals in soils collected from a rubber plantation area located at Jeli, Kelantan, The collection of soils was conducted during wet and dry seasons. The total concentrations of the selected metals were treated by using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). A comparison of the soils between the two seasons showed that Si was highly accumulated in soils for dry (631000-761000 mg/kg) and wet (726000-796000 mg/kg) seasons, while Pb (140-153 mg/kg) and Zn(135-170 mg/kg) were detected as the lowest accumulation in soils for dry and wet seasons, respectively. However, Al was detected second highest after Si metal with mean concentration ranged from 152000-230000 mg/kg (dry season) and 130000-167000 mg/kg (wet season), followed by K (10600-22000 mg/kg in dry season and 5930-19400 mg/kg for wet season), Ti (9080-14900 mg/kg in dry season and 7980-11300 for wet season), Zr (4050-5140 mg/kg in dry season and 5990-7240 mg/kg in wet season), Cl (120-881 mg/kg in dry season and 677-2110 mg/kg in wet season), Mn (351-602 mg/kg in dry season and 33-548 mg/kg in wet season), Cr (282-395 mg/kg in dry season and 232-308 mg/kg in wet season), and Sn (150-172 mg/kg in dry season and 176-199 mg/kg in wet season).  The obtained results reflect the higher levels of metals accumulated in soils collected from dry season, when compared to wet season. In comparison, the Enrichment Factor (EF), the Geo-accumulation Index (I-geo), and the Pollution Load Index (PLI) suggested that these metals have the potential to cause environmental risks. Nevertheless, prevention measures can be executed to reduce the impacts of heavy metals.

[Fatin Hanani Ismail, Nor Hizami Hassin, Nor Sayzwani Subki, Kamarul Ariffin Hambali, Muhamad Azahar Abas, Ai Yin Sow. Assessment of Heavy Metal and Pollution Indices in Rubber Plantation Soil: A Case Study in Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia. Life Sci J 2023;20(4):62-72]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.07.doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.07.

Keywords: Soil, Heavy metals, Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (I-geo), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Jeli

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Abstract: In this paper we propose a content based image retrieval (CBIR) system for human brain CT images to identify the pathological regions of hemorrhage. This proposed study is the motivation for identification of abnormalities in brain that leads to several neurological diseases.The first step is to segment the region of hemorrhage from the brain CT image. Segmentation is implemented using Gabor filter which is a multi channel filtering technique. This Gabor filtering technique mimics the Human Visual System(HVS).The segmented images are then  normalized to reduce the effects of differences in scales. Then for each segmented hemorrhage region, we calculate co-occurrence features at both global and pixel-level. Each pixel will be represented as a vector with ten elements, one for each feature, which are used for comparing the similarity between the query and the database candidate. The images will be retrieved based descending values of their similarity rank, displaying from the highest to the lowest in the descending order. Retrieval efficiency for a number of similarity techniques is analyzed.

[Rohini M.E, Dr. D. Surendran Ph.D. A Micro-Classification and CBIR System for Biomedical Images. Life Sci J 2023;20(4):73-79]. ISSN 1097-8135 (print); ISSN 2372-613X (online). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.08. doi:10.7537/marslsj200423.08.

Keywords: Content based image retrieval, Hemorrhage, Brain CT, Gabor filter, Human Visual System, Co-occurrence features, similarity

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