Near-Complete Genome Sequence of an Enterovirus Species F Isolate Recovered from Sewage in Nigeria.

Here, we describe the near-complete genome of an enterovirus F (EV-F) isolate from Nigeria. The obtained sequence was 7,378 nucleotides (nt) long and encodes 2 open reading frames (ORFs), an upstream ORF (uORF; 56 amino acids [aa]) and a polyprotein ORF (ppORF; 2,167 aa). Both ORFs overlap but are in different reading frames, with the uORF in a +1 reading frame relative to the ppORF.

Genome Sequences of Novel Members of Previously Described DNA and RNA Virus Families, Isolated from Feces of a Drill Monkey in Nigeria.

The genomes of seven novel members of previously described DNA and RNA virus families are described here. These viruses were recovered using a viral metagenomic approach from the stool of a drill monkey (Mandrillus leucophaeus) housed in a sanctuary in Cross River State, Nigeria.

Reference Human Rotavirus A Genome Sequence from a Previously Vaccinated Child with Diarrhea in Nigeria.

In 2018, a 26-month-old girl, fully vaccinated with Rotarix in 2016, presented with fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. A rapid test showed that her feces contained rotavirus A (RVA). VP7 reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and Illumina sequencing showed that a G1P[8] strain with a Wa-like genotype constellation was the etiologic agent. This is the first near-complete RVA genome sequence from Nigeria.

Genomic Characterization of a Coxsackievirus A20 Strain Recovered from a Child with Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Nigeria.

In light of recurrent outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) in Nigeria, we describe the genome sequence of a coxsackievirus A20 strain (CVA20). The nonstructural region (NSR) of this CVA20 genome showed that the enigmatic NSRs in recombinant cVDPV2s (GenBank accession numbers JX275140 and KX162716) found in Nigeria were from indigenous enterovirus species Cs (EV-Cs).

Genome Sequences of Two Dual-Serotype-Specific Echovirus 20 Strains from Nigeria.

Here, we describe nearly complete genome sequences (7,361 nucleotides [nt] and 6,893 nt) of two echovirus 20 (E20) isolates from Nigeria that were simultaneously typed as CVB and E20 (dual serotype) by neutralization assay. Both include two overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) of 67 and 2,183 amino acids that encoded a recently described gut infection-facilitating protein and the classic enterovirus proteins, respectively.

Genomic Characterization of an Echovirus 7 Isolate of Southeast Asian Ancestry Recovered from a Child in Nigeria with Acute Flaccid Paralysis.

Here, we describe the genome of an echovirus 7 (E7) isolate of Southeast Asian ancestry recovered from a child in Nigeria with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). The genome has 7,295 nucleotides (nt) and an open reading frame (ORF) with 2,195 amino acids.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Bovine Enterovirus Isolate Recovered from Sewage in Nigeria.

We describe the draft genome of a bovine enterovirus (EV) isolate recovered from sewage in Nigeria. This isolate replicates on both RD and L20B cell lines but is negative for all EV screens in use by the Global Poliovirus Eradication Initiative (GPEI). It contains 7,368 nucleotides (nt) with 50.2% G+C content and an open reading frame (ORF) with 6,525 nt (2,174 amino acids).

Reference Echovirus 7 and 19 Genomes from Nigeria.

We describe the genomes of two echovirus isolates from Nigeria as reference enterovirus species B genomes for the region. These echovirus 7 and 19 genomes have 7,411 nucleotides (nt) and 7,426 nt and were recovered from sewage-contaminated water (in 2010) and an acute flaccid paralysis case (in 2014), respectively.

Draft Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma arginini Strain NGR_2017.

We present the draft genome of Mycoplasma arginini strain NGR_2017. This strain was recovered in Nigeria from cell culture in 2017. The assembly contains 620,555 bp in 12 contigs. It contains 561 coding sequences, 34 RNAs (29 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs, and 1 transfer-messenger RNA [tmRNA]), and a >26-kb integrative and conjugative element.

Lipid peroxidation in brain tissue following administration of low and high doses of arsenite and L-ascorbate in wistar strain rats.

This study aimed at investigating the mechanism by which sodium arsenite induces brain injury and the role of L-ascorbate. Thirty adult (n=5) Wistar rats weighing between 140 and 160 g were used. Group 1 neither received sodium arsenite nor L-ascorbate (control), group 2 was administered low dose of arsenite only, group 3 received high dose of arsenite only, group 4 was administered L-ascorbate only, group 5 was administered low dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate, and group 6 received high dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate. M0 alon dialdehyde, MDA, levels were significantly increased in rats treated with high dose of arsenite when compared with those treated with low dose of arsenite. However, all treated groups except those treated with L-ascorbate only showed significant increase in MDA levels when compared with the control group. Rats treated with high dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate showed a significantly higher MDA level than those treated with low dose of arsenite and L-ascorbate. However, catalase activity, body weight gain, brain weight and mean food consumption were comparable across all groups. Brain tissue total protein was similar in all groups except in both groups treated with high dose of arsenite, where they were significantly reduced when compared with the control group. I0 n conclusion, sodium arsenite treatment induces brain injury via a mechanism associated with lipid peroxidation, but not catalase-dependent. However, L-ascorbate ameliorates arsenite-induced oxidative injury in the brain. L-ascorbate antioxidative potential in alleviating arsenite-induced brain injury is dependent on the concentration of arsenite.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem on in vivo and in vitro glucose absorption and transport: Mechanism of its antidiabetic activity.

OBJECTIVE: Extracts from various morphological parts of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta are widely used traditionally in folklore medicine in many parts of the world for the management, control, and/or treatment of a plethora of human ailments, including diabetes mellitus. In order to scientifically appraise some of the ethnomedical uses of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, the present study was undertaken to investigate its influence at varying doses on intestinal glucose absorption and transport in relation to its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in rat experimental paradigms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals used were divided into four groups. Control animals received 2 ml of distilled water, while treated groups received 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg bw of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract per oral respectively daily for 21 days. RESULTS: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta led to a significant decrease in glucose transport and absorption. It also caused significant reductions in plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol. Biochemical changes observed were suggestive of dose dependence. Histopathological studies also showed increased sizes of ß cells of the pancreas. CONCLUSION: The findings in these normoglycemic laboratory animals suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, possibly by reducing glucose absorption and transport, and enhancing the structural and functional abilities of the ß cells. This is the first study to report the effect of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta on intestinal glucose absorption. This effect could be attributed to its major bioactive principle, cryptolepine, an indoloquinoline alkaloid. This study thus lends credence to the use of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Studies on the toxicological effect of nevirapine, an antiretroviral drug, on the liver, kidney and testis of male Wistar rats.

We investigated the toxic effect of nevirapine (NVP; Viramune(®)), an antiretroviral drug, on the liver, kidney and testis of Wistar rats. Twenty-one rats were assigned into 3 groups of 7 animals each. The first group served as control, and the second and third groups received NVP at 18 and 36 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Clinical signs of toxicity were not observed in the animals. NVP at both doses did not significantly (p > 0.05) alter the body weight gain, relative weights of kidney and testis, serum protein, urea, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels of the animals. However, NVP2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative weight of liver, level of serum total bilirubin and activities of γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. NVP administration caused a dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.05) elevation of lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver, kidney and testis of the rats. Hepatic, renal and testicular MDA were increased by 107%, 80% and 163%, respectively, in NVP2-treated rats. Elevation in MDA was accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the activities of hepatic, renal and testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase. NVP2 caused 43% and 32% decrease in spermatozoa motility and live/dead sperm count, respectively, and 94% increase in total sperm abnormalities. Histopathological findings showed that NVP2 caused degeneration of seminiferous tubules in testis, and severe necrosis in liver slides. NVP induced oxidative stress with corresponding decrease in antioxidant status of the rats. The changes in sperm parameters and, elevation of liver marker enzymes suggest an interference of NVP2 with these organs.

Liver enzymes and trace elements in the acute phase of sickle cell anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Trace elements are required for the performance of numerous functions of immune cells. It is not clear whether levels of trace elements are elevated and whether there is a relationship between the levels of liver enzymes and trace elements in patients with sickle cell anaemia in crisis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the plasma levels of liver enzymes and trace elements in non sickle cell anaemia (NSCA), sickle cell anaemia subjects in the steady state (SCASS) and sickle cell anaemia patients in crisis (SCAC). METHODS: Haematological parameters, liver enzymes and trace elements were determined in 20 NSCA subjects, 20 SCASS subjects and 18 SCAC subjects. Variables studied included aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the trace elements copper, zinc, and manganese. RESULTS: Levels of liver enzymes were higher in the SCAC subjects than in the NSCA or SCASS subjects (p<0.001). Plasma Cu++, Zn++ and Mn++ were also higher in the SCAC subjects than in the NSCA or SCASS subjects (p<0.001). Correlationships were high and strong between AST and ALT (r=+0.7; p=0.03), AST and ALP (r=+0.9; p=0.001), Zn++ and Fe++ (r=+0.9; p=0.001) in SCAC. CONCLUSION: During crisis in sickle cell anaemia, liver enzymes, as well as the trace elements of Cu++, Zn++ and Mn++ are increased; levels of aspartate aminotransaminase are strongly correlated with those of ALT and ALP. Levels of liver enzymes do not appear to be related to those of the trace elements in painful sickle cell crisis.

Liver Enzymes and Trace Elements in the Acute Phase of Sickle Cell Anaemia

BACKGROUND: Trace elements are required for the performance of numerous functions of immune cells. It is not clear whether levels of trace elements are elevated and whether there is a relationship between the levels of liver enzymes and trace elements in patients with sickle cell anaemia in crisis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the plasma levels of liver enzymes and trace elements in non sickle cell anaemia (NSCA); sickle cell anaemia subjects in the steady state (SCASS) and sickle cell anaemia patients in crisis (SCAC). METHODS: Haematological parameters; liver enzymes and trace elements were determined in 20 NSCA subjects; 20 SCASS subjects and 18 SCAC subjects. Variables studied included aspartate aminotransferase (AST) alanine aminotransaminase (ALT); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); and the trace elements copper; zinc; and manganese. RESULTS: Levels of liver enzymes were higher in the SCAC subjects than in the NSCA or SCASS subjects (p