Seed-Coat Structure and Anatomy of Some Nigerian Pulses

Idu, MacDonald,Omoruyi, Oghogho M. 한국식물학회 2002 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.45 No.4

Here we report the seed morphology and anatomy of some Nigerian pulses, an investigation that revealed a wide diversity of characteristics in a small collection of seeds. Although these genera share common features, their anatomical differences make it possible to generate a key for identification and classification. Sizes ranged from 5 to 7 × 5 × 3 ㎜ for Cajanus cajan up to 25 to 30 × 18 × 19 ㎜ for Canavalia ensiformis. Seed colors were monochromatic black/brown to dichromatic eye/mottled (streaked), and surfaces were either smooth-glossy or puckered. Forms varied from ellipsoid or oblong-ellipsoid to spheroid or reniform, and halos (hilar rims) were either complete or incomplete. Lens shapes were spot, linear, broadly linear, or deltoid. The hila were elliptic to linear (or in-between), with sizes ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 ㎜ (Mucuna pruriens) up to 1.5 to 3.0 ㎜ (Phaseolus vulgaris). Their positions could be completely covered, as in P. vulgaris, partially covered and raised above the seed surface (Vigna subterranea), or naked (without any funicular residue) and level with the surface, as in C. ensiformis (Tce1). The aril caps were collar-like in Lablab purpureus or cushion-like, as in M. pruriens. Palisade cell sizes ranged from 80.7 ㎛ in Glycine max to 173.3 nm in C. ensiformis (Tce1), and their shapes varied from a uniformly wall-thickened type (T_1), to a bulbous-end type (T_2), to one with a corrugated structure on the inner wall (T_3). Although these anatomical variations exist, they may not warrant demarcation into sub-familiar or generic classifications. However, we do propose that specific and sub-specific alterations are necessary.

Effect of Combined K. pinnata and Metformin Preparation on Inflammatory Cytokines in Normal and Diabetic Skeletal Muscle Cells

Pedro Ramon,Jean Sparks,Felix Omoruyi 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.7

Diabetes Mellitus is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may play a central role in the development of diabetic complications. In this study, combined preparations of Kalanchoe pinnata and metformin were investigated to determine the effects on inflammatory activity in human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMMs) and human diabetic skeletal muscle myoblasts (DHSMMs). Results showed that combinatorial preparations sustained cell viability for 3 days in both HSMM and DHSMM cells. However, a significant decrease in cellular viability occurred for both cell lines on day 5. Results also indicate that combinatorial preparations of K. pinnata may modulate immune responses by significantly upregulating proinflammatory markers, interleukin (IL) 2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and upregulating the anti-inflammatory marker, IL-10, in HSMM and DHSMM cells. The combined preparations significantly downregulated the anti-inflammatory glycoprotein IL-6 in both diabetic and nondiabetic human skeletal muscle cells. The findings suggest that combined preparations of K. pinnata and metformin might be a potential immune-modulating agent that may promote inflammation and adversely affect the outcome of diabetic patients.

Antiproliferative Activities of Lesser Galangal (Alpinia officinarum Hance Jam1), Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Against Acute Monocytic Leukemia

Samson N. Omoregie,Felix O. Omoruyi,Vincent F. Wright,Lemore Jones,Paul V. Zimba 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.7

Acute monocytic leukemia (AML M5 or AMoL) is one of the several types of leukemia that are still awaiting cures. The use of chemotherapy for cancer management can be harmful to normal cells in the vicinity of the target leukemia cells. This study assessed the potency of the extracts from lesser galangal, turmeric, and ginger against AML M5 to use the suitable fractions in neutraceuticals. Aqueous and organic solvent extracts from the leaves and rhizomes of lesser galangal and turmeric, and from the rhizomes only of ginger were examined for their antiproliferative activities against THP-1 AMoL cells in vitro. Lesser galangal leaf extracts in organic solvents of methanol, chloroform, and dichloromethane maintained distinctive antiproliferative activities over a 48-h period. The turmeric leaf and rhizome extracts and ginger rhizome extracts in methanol also showed distinctive anticancer activities. The lesser galangal leaf methanol extract was subsequently separated into 13, and then 18 fractions using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Fractions 9 and 16, respectively, showed the greatest antiproliferative activities. These results indicate that the use of plant extracts might be a safer approach to finding a lasting cure for AMoL. Further investigations will be required to establish the discriminatory tolerance of normal cells to these extracts, and to identify the compounds in these extracts that possess the antiproliferative activities.

Can incoming United States pediatric interns be entrusted with the essential communication skills of informed consent?

Nicholas Sevey,Michelle Barratt,Emma Omoruyi 한국보건의료인국가시험원 2020 보건의료교육평가 Vol.17 No.-

Purpose: According to the entrustable professional activities (EPA) for entering residency by the Association of American MedicalColleges, incoming residents are expected to independently obtain informed consent for procedures they are likely to perform. This requires residents to not only inform their patients but to ensure comprehension of that information. We assessed the communicationskills demonstrated by 372 incoming pediatric interns between 2007 and 2018 at the University of Texas Health Science Center atHouston, obtaining informed consent for a lumbar puncture. Methods: During a simulated case in which interns were tasked with obtaining informed consent for a lumbar puncture, a standardizedpatient evaluated interns by rating 7 communication-based survey items using 5-point Likert scale from “poor” to “excellent.” We thenconverted the scale to a numerical system and calculated intern proficiency scores (sum of ratings for each resident) and average itemperformance (average item rating across all interns). Results: Interns received an average rating of 21.6 per 28 maximum score, of which 227 interns (61.0%) achieved proficiency by scoring 21 or better. Notable differences were observed when comparing groups before and after EPA implementation (76.97% vs. 47.0%proficient, respectively). Item-level analysis showed that interns struggled most to conduct the encounter in a warm and friendly manner and encourage patients to ask questions (average ratings of 2.97/4 and 2.98/4, respectively). Interns excelled at treating the patientwith respect and actively listening to questions (average ratings of 3.16, each). Both average intern proficiency scores and each averageitem ratings were significantly lower following EPA implementation (P<0.001). Conclusion: Interns demonstrated moderate proficiency in communicating informed consent, though clear opportunities for improvement exist such as demonstrating warmth and encouraging questions.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris [Lamiaceae]) Leaves Inhibit Contraction of the Nonpregnant Mouse Uterus

Enitome E. Bafor,Chioma H. Kalu,Osemelomen Omoruyi,Uloma B. Elvis-Offiah,RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.5

Dysmenorrhea is painful menstrual periods, which affects 25% of women within reproductive age and has a prevalence of 67.2–90.0%. Current treatment has several adverse effects and can be ineffective once the pain is initiated. Thymus vulgaris traditionally used for pain management was investigated in this study for its activity on uterine contraction in the nonpregnant uterus, as a parameter for dysmenorrhea. The dried leaves of T. vulgaris were macerated in water, and the resulting aqueous extract was investigated on the isolated mouse uterus. Parameters investigated included spontaneous contractions, oxytocin-induced contractions, and high potassium chloride (KCl; 80 mM)-induced tonic contractions. Mass spectrometric analysis of the thyme extract was also performed using liquid chromatography–high-resolution Fourier Transform mass spectrometry. Thyme extract inhibited the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous and oxytocin-induced uterine contractions. It also inhibited KCl-induced tonic contractions. The activities observed suggest that T. vulgaris inhibits uterine contractions through blockade of extracellular voltage-gated calcium channels. Secondary metabolites detected included compounds belonging to chlorogenic phytochemical class and flavonoids, which are known to have activities on extracellular calcium blockade. This study has shown that aqueous T. vulgaris extract, also known as thyme, inhibits contractions of the nonpregnant uterus and can be a lead plant in the drug discovery process for the management of dysmenorrhea.

Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Human Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells Subjected to Oxidative Stress

Lowell L. Dilworth,Dewayne Stennett,Felix O. Omoruyi 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.7

Oxidative stress is initiated by reactive oxygen species, the primary factor in many chronic diseases. Moringa oleifera possesses strong antioxidant properties due to the presence of various phytochemicals. In this study, we investigated the effect of M. oleifera leaf extract on markers of oxidative stress in HL60 cells exposed to oxidative stress. HL60 cells were incubated with different concentrations of M. oleifera leaf extract, and cells were harvested for viability assays on days 1, 2, and 3. Antioxidant indexes (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were measured on days 1, 2, and 3. Supplementation with the moringa leaf extract at all concentrations resulted in significant reductions in lipid peroxidation in cells that were or were not incubated in an environment with excess oxidative stress. The most significant reduction in this parameter occurred after 24 h of incubation. The results show that reductions seen in this parameter may be due to the modulation of the endogenous antioxidant defense system by extract supplementation. Cell viability was also improved in cells incubated in moringa leaf extract at concentrations of 800 and 1000 μg/mL. This finding, however, did not corroborate with lipid peroxidation results at 1000 μg/mL extract supplementation. Further investigations are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism responsible for increased cell viability at this concentration. We can, therefore, conclude that the moringa leaf extract offered added protection from oxidative stress within the first 24 h, as well as increasing cell viability at certain concentrations.

Effects of Jamaican Bitter Yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) and Diosgenin on Blood and Fecal Cholesterol in Rats

Marsha-Lyn McKoy,Peta-Gaye Thomas,Helen Asemota,Felix Omoruyi,Oswald Simon 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.11

A sapogenin-rich preparation from Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic rats and mice. Also, diosgenin supplementation has been reported to have antilipemic effects in several animal species. We investigated potential mechanisms of the lipid-lowering actions of bitter yam and also whether the actions were mediated by diosgenin. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (4% cholesterol) alone or with 5% bitter yam or 1% diosgenin supplementation for 6 weeks. The control group was fed normal rat chow. The serum lipid profile, fecal cholesterol concentration, and serum lipase activity were assessed at the end of the period. The induction of hypercholesterolemia was inhibited by coadministration of 5% bitter yam or 1% diosgenin in the diet. Serum lipid profiles were similar in rats fed bitter yam or diosgenin. The fecal cholesterol concentration was significantly (P < .01) higher in rats fed diosgenin compared to the cholesterol group. However, there was no corresponding elevation in the group fed bitter yam. Administration of bitter yam or diosgenin supplement significantly increased (P < .01) the serum lipase activity compared to the normal control and cholesterol groups. The cholesterol-supplemented diet inhibited normal gain in body weight over the period. This action was potentiated by diosgenin. The effects of the respective supplements on body weight were not completely explained by food consumption. Supplementation of the diet with Jamaican bitter yam may be therapeutically beneficial in the management of hypercholesterolemia.

Justicia flava Leaves Exert Mild Estrogenic Activity in Mouse Models of Uterotrophic and Reproductive Cycle Investigations

Enitome E. Bafor,Faith Ukpebor,Uloma Elvis-Offiah,Adaeze Uchendu,Osemelomen Omoruyi,Glory Uyi Omogiade 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.4

This study aimed to assess and determine the estrogenic activity of the leaf extract of Justicia flava (JF) in mice, which may interfere with its therapeutic use in female reproduction. The uterotrophic assay (UTA) utilizing 20 days old female mice and the reproductive cycle assay (RCA) utilizing adult female mice were used in this study. All administrations were performed orally. Reproductive organ and blood samples were collected the day after last administration of JF for histology and hormone analysis. Other parameters such as organ weight, temperature, body weight, and reproductive cycles were analyzed. Our study showed that for UTA, JF increased uterine weights slightly, which were nonsignificant but more pronounced at the highest dose of 1000 mg/kg. JF did not induce vaginal opening, which is a sign of puberty onset. JF also had minimal effect on organ morphology and caused a slight increase in serum estrogen. For RCA, JF did not significantly alter body weight and temperature although an upward trend in temperature was observed. JF did not disrupt cycling significantly (P > .005) compared with estrogen (the positive control drug used). JF also did not significantly alter uterus morphology except at 1000 mg/kg where some increase in the number of glands and cell activity were observed. JF has mild estrogenic activity and will not interfere with reproductive functions at lower doses (10–100 mg/kg) during therapy, but high doses (up to 1000 mg/kg and above) may cause some alterations. Our data, therefore, suggest that JF is a useful candidate in the management of female reproductive health issues at lower doses.

Distribution pattern and prevalence of West Nile virus infection in Nigeria from 1950 to 2020: a systematic review

Idris Nasir Abdullahi,Anthony Uchenna Emeribe,Peter Elisha Ghamba,Pius Omoruyi Omosigho,Zakariyya Muhammad Bello,Bamidele Soji Oderinde,Samuel Ayobami Fasogbon,Lawal Olayemi,Isa Muhammad Daneji,Muhamm 한국역학회 2020 Epidemiology and Health Vol.42 No.-

OBJECTIVES: West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne viral infection. This study investigated the pooled prevalence pattern and risk factors of WNV infection among humans and animals in Nigeria. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of eligible studies published in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from January 1, 1950 to August 30, 2020. Peer-reviewed cross-sectional studies describing WNV infections in humans and animals were systematically reviewed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q statistic. RESULTS: Eighteen out of 432 available search output were eligible and included for this study. Of which 13 and 5 were WNV studies on humans and animals, respectively. Although 61.5% of the human studies had a low risk of bias, they all had high heterogeneity. The South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria had the highest pooled prevalence of anti-WNV immunoglobulin M (IgM; 7.8% in humans). The pooled seroprevalence of anti-WNV IgM and immunoglobulin G (IgG) was 7.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.9 to 8.3) and 76.5% (95% CI, 74.0 to 78.8), respectively. The WNV RNA prevalence was 1.9% (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.9), while 14.3% (95% CI, 12.9 to 15.8) had WNV-neutralizing antibodies. In animals, the pooled seroprevalence of anti-WNV IgM and IgG was 90.3% (95% CI, 84.3 to 94.6) and 3.5% (95% CI, 1.9 to 5.8), respectively, while 20.0% (95% CI, 12.9 to 21.4) had WNV-neutralizing antibodies. Age (odds ratio [OR], 3.73; 95% CI, 1.87 to 7.45; p<0.001) and level of education (no formal education: OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 1.08 to 17.2; p<0.05; primary: OR, 7.29; 95% CI, 1.80 to 29.6; p<0.01) were significant risk factors for WNV IgM seropositivity in humans. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the endemicity of WNV in animals and humans in Nigeria and underscore the need for the One Health prevention and control approach.