Mastitis, caused by Escherichiacoli and Staphylococcus aureus, is a common infection in nursing mothers. Antibiotics (ATBs) are the mainstay of treatment for mastitis. However, given the potential for transfer of antibiotics from mother to infant, as well as the problem of bacterial resistance to synthetic ATBs, it is critical to develop new natural compounds with antibacterial properties. Thus, the aim of this work is to determine the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro antibacterial activity of the hydroethanol extract of an Algerian propolis against the two above-mentioned bacterial strains, in comparison with four ATBs namely: Gentamicin (GEN), Cefazolin (CZ), Cefotaxime (CT), and Pipemidic acid (PI). Estimates of total polyphenol and total flavonoids revealed levels of 113.65±2.41 mg AGE/g DR, and 0.072±0.039 mg EC/g DR respectively. Evaluation of antioxidant activity revealed a significant ability to scavenge 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (IC50=2.95±0.70 mg/mL). Bacterial inhibition tests performed by the agar well diffusion method showed at the concentration of 5000 µg/mL a strong antibacterial activity with inhibition zones of 22.5±1.67 mm and 25.5±0.50 mm against E. coli, and S. aureus respectively, compared to GEN (31±1.00 mm and 35±0.50 mm), CZ (14.5±0.33 mm and 24.50±0.35 mm), CT (10.50±0.33 mm and 11±0.67 mm), and PI (06±0.00 mm and 35±0.50 mm) against E. coli, and S. aureus respectively. These results show that the efficacy of propolis extract exceeds that of the two ATBs belonging to the cephalosporin family (CZ and CT of the 1st and 2nd generation respectively) and the Quinolones family (PI of the 1st generation).

Derivation of energy from coal is mostly through thermal decomposition. Although several literatures/studies exist on the suitability of Lafia-Obi bituminous coal for power generation and other thermal purposes, little or none has been reported on the thermal decomposition of Lafia-Obi bituminous coal during gasification. This work therefore seeks to look at the thermal decomposition behavior of Lafia-Obi bituminous coal when it is gasified. Thermal decomposition of Lafia-Obi coal during gasification was examined via; coal reaction kinetics, gas forming equations, gas analysis, temperature, and pressure monitoring, and heat balance analysis. Results show a combustion zone temperature of 577oC, reduction zone temperature of 489oC, gasification zone temperature of 479oC, and drying zone temperature of 468oC at a maximum pressure of 0.6x105N/m2. The average gas component yield of 15.7%CO, 18.1%CO2, 14.5%H2, and 1.9%CH4 by volume was recorded. The gas composition results are in agreement with the standard producer gas composition of 9-15% CO, 17-22% CO2, 12-20% H2, and 1-5% CH4. Cold Gas Efficiency of 73%, Hot Gas Efficiency of 86%, and Thermal Efficiency of 74% were determined. These results are indicative of a very efficient system that can be used for all forms of energy generation purposes such as direct combustion and for electricity generation. Keywords: Decomposition, Gasification, Coal, Thermal efficiency.

This work aims to the evaluation of the antifungal activity of dichloromethane essential oil of barks of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against black rot onions pathogenic fungi such as Penicillium sp and Aspergillus niger. The antifungal activity of essential oils of barks of Cinnamomum zeylanicum was tested in vitro by agar well diffusion method against plant pathogenic fungi strains vis Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger. The results showed that the essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum exhibited the highest percentage of growth inhibition (100%) against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp at (1% v/v) and (2.5% v/v) minimum inhibitory concentration respectively. The ability of the extracts to inhibit the growth of the fungi is an indication of the antifungal potential of cinnamon, which makes it a candidate for the production of antifungal agents. It can be applied in agricultural products for the development of transgenic resistance to plant diseases.

Phenolic compounds have been widely researched for their antibacterial activity throughout the years. Vanillic acid's antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli was investigated using a broth microdilution technique in 5ml sterile tubes. To get the minimum inhibitory concentration, the inocula was treated with vanillic acid in increasing quantities ranging from 150 g/ml to 2000 g/ml in the tubes. The antibacterial activity of the phenolic compound was further investigated using time kill susceptibility. The lowest inhibitory concentration found was 900 g/ml. During the time kill susceptibility evaluation, a substantial reduction in viable bacteria cells was also detected.This study's findings support the antibacterial activity of phenolic compounds and the antibacterial potential of vanillic acid. Further extensive research on vanillic acid and other phenolic compounds is recommended to provide more insight on the mechanism of antibacterial activity.Adoption of these naturally occurring antibacterial compounds for treatment alternativesfor infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria may provide a solution to the pharmaceutical industry's multi-resistance conundrum.

Ancylostoma duodenale and Tricuris trichiura infections are among the leading causes of child morbidity in the developing countries like Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of these parasites among primary school children. Faecal samples from 175 pupils randomly selected from four primary schools in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were examined using direct microscopy and sodium chloride floatation techniques. A well structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from participants. Results showed overall prevalence of 14.9% for both parasites. A. duodenale was more prevalent (10.9%) than T. trichiura (4.0%). The highest prevalence of the parasites occurred in pupils between the age group 10-12 years (27.1%); pupils who used pond as source of water supply had prevalence of 24.5%; pupils who practiced bush defecation system had (16.0%) and pupils whose parents were farmers had (19.5%). There was no statistical relationship between gender, parents’ occupation, location of schools and infection (P > 0.05). The implication of infection of the pupils with these parasites is a potential interference with the quality of their life. Provision of basic amenities such as portable water supply, standard toilet facilities in public places is recommended to help reduce the rate of transmission of the parasites.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most common circulating steroid in the human body and is an essential precursor hormone. Exogenous DHEA, on the other hand, has been shown to cause endocrine disorders in women. Indeed, the use of medicinal plants is of great help in the treatment of female disorders.Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the prophylactic and/or therapeutic effect of the aqueous extract of Atriplexhalimus L. on sex hormone balance.For this purpose, Female rats were subjected for a period of 21 days to a plant extract dose of 5g/kg body weight (BW)/day (D) either before or after receiving a DHEA dose of 60 mg/kg BW/D for 21 days.The results of the present study show that the administration of DHEA leads to a significant decrease in the level of the luteinizing hormone followed by a significant increase in the level follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and progesterone. While treatment with aqueous extract of A. halimus L. either before or after DHEA exposure was able to regulate these hormones and counteract the adverse effects of DHEA supplementation.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease, which includes chronicinflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies have suggested that the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease is multifactorial, resulting from the interplay ofimmunological, molecular, genetic, microbial, diet, drug use-related, and environmental factors.This study was designed to investigatemultiple organ toxicity of Dextran sulfate sodium-induced (DSS) ulcerative colitis using glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes as indices. Twelve mice were divided into two groups of six mice each.Group A (Control) received normal drinking water while group B was fed with 2.5% DSS for 7 days in their drinking water, and the dextran sulfate sodium solution was replenished daily. The liver, kidney, colon, spleen was excised from the mice after the last administration of DSS, glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes were assessed in all the organs and lymphocytes.Activities of glycolytic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and NADase were down-regulated in all the organs. Hepatic hexokinase activity significantly reduced as opposed to the increase observed in other organs, while aldolase activities were up-regulated in all the organs.Furthermore, DSS administration caused perturbation in the activities of mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes in all the organs. Activities of succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, Combined Complexes I+III, II+III, and IV were down-regulated. All observations are relative to control.Data from this study demonstrated that administration of DSS induced ulcerative colitis which invariably perturbs the glycolytic enzymes while mitochondrial metabolizing enzymes are down-regulated leading to decreased energy availability for cellular processes during ulcerative colitis pathological condition.

Vancomycin, a bactericidal antibiotic used for selective clinical infections confers its antibacterial activity via the inhibition of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. This process thus results in oxidative stress. Hesperidin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits has been reported to possess antioxidant activity. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of hesperidin on vancomycin-induced neurotoxicity. Male Wistar rats (n=24, 130-300 g) were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 (Control) received distilled water, Group 2 received Hesperidin (50 mg/kg/day) orally, Group 3 received Vancomycin (10 mg/kg/day)intraperitoneally and Group 4 received Vancomycin (10mg/kg/day) and Hesperidin (50mg/kg/day). The administration was done for seven days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at P ≤ 0.05. Administration of Vancomycin significantly reduced the levels of Reduced Glutathione (GSH) and Ascorbic Acid (AA) in the brain sections of the rats relative to control. The activities of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) were down-regulated relative to control. Furthermore, an increased level of Nitric Oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) was observed relative to control (P ≤ 0.05). However, co-treatment with Hesperidin significantly attenuated levels of GSH, AA, NO, MDA, and activities of MPO, GST, SOD, CAT, and GPx when compared with Vancomycin treated groups. Histopathological examination of the brain sections of Vancomycin-treated rats showed the presence of lesions. Administration of Hesperidin alongside Vancomycin reversed these lesions. Data obtained from this study showed that Hesperidin attenuated oxidative stress induced by Vancomycin in the brain of rats via antioxidant mechanisms.

The survey was carried out in 2017 in the city of Sidi Bel Abbes and the two municipalities of Sidi Khaled and Sidi Lahcene (Western Algeria) on five plants of the Lamiaceae family (Ajuga iva (L.) Schreber., Phlomis crinita Cav., Sideritis incana L., Salvia argentea L., Rosmarinus officinalis L.). The study validated traditional medicinal information and directions for the use and diseases treated for the five plants in the survey population of 600 people (70% are women), with a predominance in people of -20 to 35 years, with a rate of (75%). Based on the survey, we found that rosemary is the most used with a rate of 57%, and most of our plants are used in the form of herbal tea with the infusion method of dried leaves. The diseases most frequently treated by our studied plants are crapaudine for cholesterol and digestive tract conditions. Ivette is better for osteoarticular conditions while rosemary is better for respiratory ones and cholesterol, the sage is better for respiratory ones, and sage from Jerusalem is better for dermatological conditions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure at different doses on male reproductive function in Wistar rats. To this end, animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=6). Gr1: control that received 1mL of ethanol (0.1%); Gr2: exposed to 0.0004µg/kg/day of BPA; Gr3: exposed to 0.004µg/kg/day of BPA; Gr4: exposed to 0.04 µg/kg/day of BPA;Gr5:exposed to 0.4 µg/kg/day of BPA;Gr6:exposed to 4 µg /kg/day of BPA. BPA was given daily by gavage for 60consecutivedays. The obtained results showed a significant decrease in the body weight and weight gain in the group exposed to the lowest dose (0.0004µg), while no significant changes were found in the relative testicular weightof rats. A significant decrease in sperm count, motility and viability was also observedin all BPA-treated groups compared to controls. A significant decrease in Testosterone levels was noted in all BPA-exposed groups but not the group exposed to 4 µg. The histological analysis showedmany morphological changes in the BPA-treated groupse.g detachment of germ cells from the basal lamina, degenerative changes in the germinal layer, decline in spermatozoa number in the lumen, apparition of cell debris in the lumen of tubules, and vacuolization of Sertoli cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate clearly that BPA exposure at different low doses (0.0004, 0.004, 0.04, 0.4,4 µg/kg/day) for 60 days induces serious adverse effects on the male reproductive function in Wistar rats.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) (Myrtaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties. The aim of this study is to test the prophylactic effect of both Myrtus communis hydro methanolic extract (HME) and Aqueous extract (AE) at a dose of 300mg/kg for 21 days. The results of the present study indicate that chronic exposure to cadmium chloride (Cl2Cd=18mg/kg) for 60 days induces a decrease in body weights and organ weights (liver, kidney, testis, and prostate) (p≤0.05). Thus, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) highlights a significant accumulation of cadmium in the target tissues structures modifications compared with control rats. However, the administration of HME extract induces a considerable recovery of body weights, organ weights, and positive change in target tissues compared with the aqueous extract. These results suggest that hydro methanolic extract can be used as a curative remedy to help patients suffering from cadmium exposure.

The inhibition effect of African peach leaves methanol extract on the corrosion of mild steel in 0.3M HCl aqueous solution at 303Kwas investigated by weight loss and polarization resistance methods. The results show inhibition efficiency decreased with temperature rise but increased with increase in plant extract concentration. Values obtained from polarization studies was relatively higher than that of weight loss at the same temperature. Also the activation energy (Ea), enthalpy and entropy for African peach methanol extract values were evaluated and found to favour adsorption of the plant extract onto the mild steel surface. Langmuir isotherm provided more accurate description of the adsorption behavior of the African peach leaves extractbecausethe R2 values obtained were relatively closer to unity when compared to others. First order kinetics was found to relatively describe the kinetics of the inhibition process, because of itshigh R2 and rate constant values, with the half-life increasing with increase in plant extract concentration. The evaluated thermodynamic parameters show the process of the inhibition to be spontaneous. The polarization Tafel plot of the extract inhibition process proved it to be a mixed type inhibitor. The studied plant extract can be concluded to possess phytochemicals responsible for the inhibition of mild steel in 0.3M HCl solution.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Among them are celecoxib and ketorolac, whose efficacy is dependent on the inhibition of COXs and seems to be modulated by additional mechanisms that would contribute to analgesic efficacy. On the other hand, the interaction of NSAIDs with other types of analgesics, especially opioids, is often poorly identified. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the opioid antagonists: naltrexone, naltrindole, and norbinaltorphimine on the efficacy of celecoxib and ketorolac in murine models of tonic and visceral pain induced by chemical stimuli, such as contortions induced by acetic acid and the formalin hind paw test. The antinociceptive potency of celecoxib and ketorolac was assessed using a dose-response curve from 0.1-10 mg/kg, i.p. before and after pretreatment of mice with 1 mg/kg i.p. of the opioid antagonist’s naltrexone, naltrindole, or norbinaltorphimine. Celecoxib was 1.58 to 4.85 times more potent than ketorolac. The effect of both NSAIDs was unequally modified by opioid antagonists. Thus, the efficacy of ketorolac increased in the writhing test and in the phase I formalin trial, while that of celecoxib only increased in the phase II formalin trial. The results demonstrate that ketorolac and celecoxib induce significant antinociception, whose efficacy was increased by specific opioid receptor antagonists, suggesting that the antinociception induced by ketorolac and celecoxib is dependent on opioid receptors.

Nurses make up the largest proportion of the health workforce and their ability to be assertive with high self-esteem is the key to reducing major medical errors and observing early signs of unsafe condition in care delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of assertiveness training on assertive behaviour and self-esteem of nurse interns in tertiary hospitals in Enugu. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design using two instruments: Rathus assertiveness scale and Rosenberg self esteem scale. A total population of ninety-nine (99) nurse interns participated in the study. Reliability test of the instruments showed (r) of 0.86 for Rosenberg self-esteem Scale, and (r) of 0.92 for Rathus assertiveness scale. Post-test data were collected one week and six (6) weeks after the assertiveness training from the intervention groups. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the level of assertiveness of the nurse interns was low (Control (C) =22.5, Intervention (I) =19.6), while the level of self-esteem of the nurse interns was moderate (C= 45.5, I=41.1. There was a significant increase in the assertive behavior and self-esteem of the nurse interns six weeks after the intervention (t = 2.35, P = 0.02 at P < 0.05); (t = 2.35, P = 0.02 at P < 0.05) respectively. The level of self-esteem was significantly higher for nurse interns who were assertive than for those who were non-assertive (P-value = .000). Nurse interns in Nigeria currently have relatively low level of assertiveness, however, their level of self-esteem is moderately high.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of turmeric and black pepper on high-fat-diet-related biochemical and histological disorders in WISTAR rats. Fifteen male rats were divided into 3 groups (n=5), G1: control that received 350g/d of standard diet; G2: 350g/d of High Fat Diet (HFD) and G3: that received 350g/d of HFD supplemented with turmeric and black pepper (TBP) for two months. Our results showed that HFD induced a significant increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides. However, the HDL level was decreased. In addition, a significant increase in weight gain values and a significant decrease in relative testicular weight were observed. Moreover, the HFD significantly increased testicular oxidative stress expressed as Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARS) levels. The histological analysis showed a decrease in sperm cells number in the seminiferous tubules lumen, and reduced seminiferous epithelium thickness in rats treated with HFD. On the other hand, TBP treatment was able to prevent HFD histopathological effects on the testes. In conclusion, our results indicate that TBP supplementation can effectively reduce the deleterious effects of HFD on the lipid profile and the testicular structure.

Opioids are among the most effective pain relievers available; however induced antinociception has not been extensively studied in different animal pain models. The studies have been conducted with isolated opioids only, but have not been used in combination, as multimodal analgesia. In the present study, the pharmacological interaction of morphine with fentanyl was evaluated in different murine pain models by means of isobolographic analysis. In control animals, morphine and fentanyl produced a dose-related antinociceptive action in the murine assays and comparing the rank of potency was formalin hind paw phase I > formalin phase II > tail flick. The coadministration of morphine with fentanyl, in a fixed relation 1:1 of their ED50, produces a synergistic interaction of different magnitude. The study shows that fentanyl is more effective than morphine. This disparity could be explained according to the suggestions that opioids could be acting through other targets either by different binding capacity, by the regulation or activation of non-opioid receptors. Furthermore, coadministration of morphine with fentanyl induces synergism in the murine trials, confirming the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory capacity of the opioids.

The ion separation potential of graphene oxide-cellulose membrane produced from waste materials for use in filtration processes is demonstrated in this study. Graphene nanomaterial was prepared by electrochemical exfoliation of electrodes from waste zinc-carbon batteries and characterized using TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, and SEM/EDX techniques. The membrane was fabricated from graphene oxide and recycled cellulose paper pulp and was also characterized. The membrane has a surface area of 0.001735 m2, and under vacuum pressure of 0.3 Pa was found to have average permeability of 6.5285 x 10-5 m3/m2.s.Pa, flux of 1.9585 x 10-5 m3/m2.s, and volumetric flow rate of 3.3985 x 10-6 m3/s.Membrane desalination studies were performed using a suction pump set-up for time intervals of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150min on sodium chloride–simulated brackish, saline, and hyper-saline water. The ion separation efficiency measured by conductivities of water samples was found at the end of 150 min to be 91.0, 90.89, and 92.98% for brackish, saline, and hyper-saline water respectively. Optimum ion separation was obtained in the first 30 min of the desalination experiment (96.95, 96.63 and 96.56% for brackish, saline, and hyper-saline water respectively), after which there was a progressive increase in conductivities of all water samples due to swelling of the composite membrane.

Adsorption of methyl orange (MO) dye from synthetic aqueous solutions by raw Prosopis africana (RPA) was investigated using a batch system under controlled conditions of temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration. The point of zero charges (PZC) of raw Prosopis africana (RPA) was found to be pH 6. The raw Prosopis africana (RPA) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods to confirm the adsorption of MO dye onto RPA adsorbent. The kinetic data for the adsorption process evaluated was best described by pseudo-second order in relation to other models studied. Adsorption parameters such as the effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration were studied for optimization purposes. The adsorption isotherm for the processes was also estimated and established. The adsorption data fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model relative to other models tested. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption processes were exothermic and feasible in nature. This indicates that raw Prosopis africana (RPA) can be a promising adsorbent for the removal of hazardous dye from synthetic wastewater.

Ethnomedicine provides a basic understanding of plant medicinal properties. The identification and standardization of active compounds in any medicinal plant are critical for the production of new drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical constituents and biosafety of the extract from Icacina trichantha. Oliv. (Icacinaceae) seed. Phytoconstituents of the plant material were assayed using standard biochemical methods and GCMS analytical procedures. Acute toxicity test was performed according to the standard method, while sub-acute toxicity was determined by assessing haematological parameters in grouped rats, and was administered single daily doses of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of the extract for 14 consecutive days. Findings from the study revealed notable phytochemicals in sufficient amounts; while in the GCMS, phytocompounds like erucic acid, hexadecanoic acid, stearic acid and phytol were identified. Physicochemical analysis on the studied plant material had an appreciable amount of moisture (14.00%), crude lipid (2.92%), crude fibre (1.75%), proteins (5.25%), ash (12.26%) and carbohydrates (31.82%). The plant also had pronounced concentrations of notable vitamins. The result from the acute toxicity studies was assessed to be above 200 mg/kg, while the 14 days sub-acute test revealed that there was an improving effect in all haematological parameters investigated without adverse interference. This study revealed that orally administered I. trichantha methanol seed extract was tolerated at a single-graded dose, LD50 above 200 mg/kg. The data obtained tend to support the biosafety of the plant extract as reportedly used in indigenous herbal home remedies.

Aluminium Chloride (AlCl3) is an anhydrous chemical compound usually produced from the reaction between aluminium and chlorine or hydrogen chloride with reported damaging consequences on various tissues and organs.We investigated the potential effects of dietary walnut on AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity on the activation of inflammatory cytokines and ntrosative stress in cerebellum of Wistar rats. AlCl3 treatment for 28 days induced significantly decreased catalase (CAT) activities, an overexpressed LDH level as well as a significant elevation in IL-3 levels, and nitric oxide levels markedly increased when compared with the control and walnut-treated animals (p<0.05) resulting in induced oxidative stress, altered glucose metabolism, and neuroinflammation; as well as increased chromatolysis and degenerative changes in the cerebellar cortex. Interestingly, walnut-enriched diet administered post and pre-treatment with AlCl3 significantly improved cerebellar CAT activities, downregulated LDH levels and the activity of IL-3, and significantly reduced nitric oxide levels with a p-value <0.05 when compared with the Aluminium treated group. In conclusion, walnut-enriched diet diminished Aluminium-induced cerebellar perturbation in rats by modulating cellular and oxidative damage and counterbalances inflammatory cytokines and nitrosative stress proteins evoked by AlCl3 neurotoxicity. These results suggest that walnut-enriched diet may play a critical role in mitigating the progression of toxic cascades witnessed in neurodegenerative disorders triggered by Aluminium neurotoxicity.

Enrichment of environmental conditions of laboratory mice model in mostin-vivo studies may be attributed to quantity and quality of data output. Despite reports on the welfare of Mus musculus (albino mice), there is a dearth of studies comparing standard breeding of this specie in an enriched group (EG) and an Un-enriched group (UG). The study examined productivity by breeding Mus musculus under standard laboratory conditions, using a comparison of this specie in proper (enriched) versus poor (un-enriched) conditions. Six male and female mice (20 to 25g)were immaculately housed, fed, grouped into 2 (EG and UG), and bred using 2 phases of a trio system (one male and two females) for 12 weeks (84 days). Results inferred the production of more litters in EG (18/19) than UG, (12/14), respectively, and more females’ production than males in both groups for both phases. The number of cannibalized litters was more in UG (5 litters were cannibalized with a 71.4 to 91.7 % survival rate) compared to EG (1 litter was cannibalized with a 94.7 to 100% survival rate), during both phases. A significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in the volume of water consumed and the average weight of mice in EG, when compared to UG. However, no significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in the feed consumption of the two groups. The temperature readings (33.53±0.16 / 34.89 ±0.21) of clinical and mercury in glass thermometers of both groups revealed no significant difference. Thus, the enriched group of laboratory mice appears to be more productive than the un-enriched group during the breeding period

With more than 7000 chemical compounds, cigarette smoke; represents a major environmental risk to the health of the mother and her fetus. Nicotine is the main alkaloid of tobacco and is responsible for its addiction. The aim of our study is to assess the effects of nicotine on the uterus and the ovary of pregnant female rats. WISTAR rats with regular estrous cycles were divided into two equal groups; a control group and a group receiving 1mg/kg of nicotine daily from day 1 to day 19 of gestation. The rats were anesthetized, and their uteri and ovaries were removed, weighed, and histologically examined. Serum estrogen and progesterone determinations were also performed. Our results showed nicotine-induced endometrial atrophy, follicular degeneration, and a significant decrease in uterine weight and estrogen levels. Through these results, we suggest that gestational exposure of rats to nicotine affects steroidogenesis resulting in endometrial damage and follicular degeneration.

Seed production demands the progressive replacement of insecticides and fungicides with natural and easily degradable products. Biopolymers and coating technology can be combined to meet that goal. This study proposes chitosan, sodium alginate, and Trichoderma harzianum formulations that can be applied to sunflower seeds, maintaining their quality and safe storage. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of coating with different chitosan and sodium alginate combinations on Trichoderma harzianum viability and sunflower seed quality. Sunflower seeds were coated with Trichoderma harzianum powder mixed with different biopolymer formulations (chitosan at 1% and 3%, sodium alginate at 1.5 %). Trichoderma viability was evaluated over time, through colony-forming units per ml. Sunflower seed quality was determined by, radicle emergence, germination percentage, root seedling growth, and field emergence. Chitosan applied as seed coating had harmful effects on Trichoderma viability and sunflower seed quality. Instead, sodium alginate not only improved the adherence and survival of Trichoderma harzianum strains but also maintained the radicle emergence, root growth, and germination levels. Sodium alginate creates a protective film for Trichoderma harzianum strains from the chitosan damaging effect, ensuring adequate storage of sunflower seeds.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic recurrent bowel disorders. They usually occur in children and young adults. It is an uncommon condition in the elderly. This work is aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and disease course of CrohnDisease in elderly patients and to compare them with the clinical characteristics of younger patients in a population from Western Algeria region. It was a retrospective comparative survey of 35 elderly patients whose age was>60 years diagnosed during the period from 2007 to 2020 at the level of general surgery departments and university hospital centers in the Western Algeria region.The study included 437 CrohnDisease patients involving 35 elderly and 402 young adults. The mean age of the elderly patients was 65.48±11.43. The most noted localization was colonic in the Elderly with a rate of 23 (65.7%)/P= 0.002, while it was ileo-caecal in 236Young patients (58.7%)/P= 0.005. The majority of elderly patients, complained of abdominal pain 28 (80%), cessation of matter and gas 18 (51.4%), vomiting 13 (37.1%), weight loss 06 (17.1%), and diarrhea 05 (14.3%). During the follow-up period, medical therapy was the same for both groups. Moreover, 29 (82.8%) of the elderly patients underwent surgical treatment compared to 295 (73.4%) of the young patients. The number of patients with extra-intestinal manifestations in the elderly group was significantly higher than in the young group. Through our results, it seems that Crohn's disease in the elderly generally follows the same clinical pattern as in young people, with some exceptions.

A.barbadensisis a folkloric medicinal plant used for decades to treat several ailments such as intestinal ulcers, gynaecological problems, wound healing, ringworm and eczema. Other uses of A. barbadensis include impotence, low libido, appetite disorder, emmenagogue, pile, asthma, cough and jaundice. This study was aimed at determining the safety of the ethanol extract of Aloe barbadensis root using haematological, and lipid parameters. A. barbadensis root extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and control (distilled water, 0.2mL/kg) were administered to sixty male Wistar rats (150-270 g body weights) for 14 days. The haematological parameters were determined using the collected whole blood and lipid profile assessed using the serum. The oral administration of the extract on red blood cells and white blood cells, as well as other haematological indices (haemoglobin, Platelets crit (PCT), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, granulocytes, lymphocytes, Platelets crit and monocytes), were significantly(p<0.05) not altered. A non-significant (p>0.05) effect of the extract on high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was observed in the serum of the male rats. The results indicate that within the doses used in the study, the ethanol extract of A. barbadensis root is relatively non-toxic with no significant localized toxicity. However, the root of A. barbadensis should be cautiously used because of its selective effect on some lipid parameters in the male rats.