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- ItemProprotein convertase subtilisin kexin-9 level remains unchanged following glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia in Wistar rats(Society for Experimental Biology of Nigeria (NISEB), 2021-03-31) A. A. Alli-Oluwafuyi; A. Amin; N. Omeiza; A. B. Nafiu; L. A. Oyewole; A. Olugbenga; O. J. Olajide; A. Imam; O. E. Ayoola; O. E. IwalewaProprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a secreted liver enzyme that regulates low density lipoproteins and is dysregulated in dyslipidemia of various etiology. Glucocorticoids are powerful anti inflammatory agents that also induce dyslipidemia. The role of PCSK9 in glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia remains underexplored. In this study, we investigate sex-dependent changes in serum PCSK9 levels following glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia. Fourteen male and fourteen female Wistar rats, eight weeks old were administered normal saline or dexamethasone (dex) 2 mg/kg via the intraperitoneal route for seven consecutive days. Six hours after the last dose, cardiac blood was collected from anesthetized animals. Serum was analyzed for lipid profile, sex hormones and enzyme concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Sidak’s test. Significance was accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Dexamethasone administration induced significant hypercholesterolemia (94.55 ± 1.676 vs 150.6 ± 11 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) and dyslipidemia (24.13 ± 4.11 vs 72.46 ± 8.883 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) in both male and female rats. There was a trend towards increased circulating PCSK9 however increases were not statistically significant. Dexamethasone induced dyslipidemia without altering plasma concentration of PCSK9.
- ItemLocalized Peace in a Weaponized Environment: Interrogating Non-state Actors' Peacebuilding Interventions against Armed Banditry in Nigeria's Northwest(Arewa Research and Scholar Vanguard Center, 2022) AKANNI, Waliyu OladotunThe protracted armed banditry and its associated threats to peace and security is gradually turning Nigeria's Northwest into another major regional theatre of violence. There are palpable tensions and heightened fear of possible replica in the magnitude of Boko Haram insurgency attacks in the Northwest if decisive and urgent steps are not taken. Although State-level peace efforts have had some initial success in the areas of weapon discovery and release of kidnapped victims, these have however not mitigated the threats that the recurring armed banditry poses to peace and security desired by the region. As a qualitative research, in-depth interviews were conducted with relevant non-state actors on recent applications of the indigenous peacebuilding and conflict transformation approaches regarding their successes and what might be required to record more success in the current dispensation. Data generated from the survey were complemented by extant reviewed literature on various approaches to peace in different communities in the Northwest. As the epicentre of the armed banditry, the focus of this paper was consciously restricted to only Zamfara State in order to interrogate community interventions in a more context-specific manner. Among other things, this paper underscored the relevance of localised peace responses as a veritable tool to build sustainable peace and tackle conflict from its sources by recommending solutionist strategies to state actors and others alike, just for the sake of peace in Zamfara State and the Northwest as a whole. Key Words: Armed banditry, peace, violence, attack, intervention, conflict, Northwest
- ItemThe Ameliorative effects of melatonin on cannabis-induced liver toxicity in male and female wistar rats.(African Journals Online, 2023-08-23) A. Oluwasola; O.E. Ayoola; Garba Saa'du; M.A. Adepoju; M.E. Balogun; S.A. Biliaminu; L.A. OLayakiLiver has an incontrovertible influence on several functions of many organs in the body. It is prone to xenobiotic induced injury due to its central role in xenobiotic metabolism and its portal location within the system. This study investigated and compared the effects of melatonin on cannabis-induced liver toxicity in male and female wistar rats. Twenty female rats (156g ± 1.05) and twenty male rats (192g ± 1.42) were separately assigned into four groups of five animals each, such that the rats in groups I, II, III and IV received orally 1mL of distilled water, 2mg/kg body weight (BW) of ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa EECS, 2mg/kg BW of EECS plus 4mg/kg BW ofmelatonin and 4mg/kg BW of melatonin respectively for twenty one days. Creatinine, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), albumin andinducible protein were determined using standard methods. Cannabis sativa(CS)significantly(p<0.05) increased creatinine, bilirubin, GGT, ALP, LDH, ALT, and AST respectively. CS also decreased albumin and inducible protein significantly (p<0.05). However, these increments and decrements were more in male than female rats. All these effects were ameliorated to the level comparable with the control when the CS was administered with melatonin CS showed alterations in liver biomarkers (enzymes) which were probably associated with liver toxicity. These alterations were more in male than in female. However, these effects were ameliorated by melatonin. Since the consumption of CS is increasing globally because of its medical uses, thus, consumption of melatonin as supplement may be recommended.
- ItemSMOKING AND ITS CHALLENGES FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE SOCIETY(GOOD LUCK ILORIN, 2010-03-10) ALFABANNI TUNDE AHMEDTHE BOOK EXPLAINED THE GAP BETWEEN AGAPE AND FAKE LOVE IN THE LIFE OF HUMAN BEING..
- ItemRole of Opposition Parties in Nigerian Democracy: A Comparative Analysis of People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party(Abuja Journal of Administration & Management, 2024-12-30) ALIYU Lukman OlalekanOpposition parties have been seen as promoters of good governance, act as watchdogs and serve as alternative governments through fostering political participation and promoting accountability. It is against this background and stated problems that the study assessed the role of opposition parties in Nigerian democracy: A comparative anaysis of People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party. In this study, qualitative research design was used. Face-to-face (FtF) interview was instrument of data collection while secondary method was also adopted to augment the primary data collected. Thematic analysis was carefully employed to give meaning to data generated. The study found that: opposition parties in Nigeria, such as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, have played an important role in fostering political participation among citizens and promoting accountability among government officials and institutions. Some of the ways in which they have done so include scrutinizing government policies and actions and providing an alternative voice. Comparing the role played by PDP and LP in Nigerian democracy, especially in terms of fostering accountability and promoting political participation; the study found that as PDP has been criticized for its lack of accountability during its time in power, with allegations of corruption and cronyism. However, it has also played a role in fostering political participation through its engagement with citizens and its role as a dominant party; LP on the other hand has positioned itself as a party of accountability, with a focus on transparency and anti-corruption. It has also sought to foster political participation through its engagement with citizens, particularly young people and workers. The study generally recommends among others the need for transparency and political will on the part of the ruling party and the government will create a level playing field for all political parties to thrive