Cross River University of Technology

About: Cross River University of Technology is a(n) education organization based out in Calabar, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topic(s): Population & Exergy. The organization has 465 authors who have published 507 publication(s) receiving 2705 citation(s).

Synaptopathies: synaptic dysfunction in neurological disorders - A review from students to students

Abstract: Synapses are essential components of neurons and allow information to travel coordinately throughout the nervous system to adjust behavior to environmental stimuli and to control body functions, memories, and emotions. Thus, optimal synaptic communication is required for proper brain physiology, and slight perturbations of synapse function can lead to brain disorders. In fact, increasing evidence has demonstrated the relevance of synapse dysfunction as a major determinant of many neurological diseases. This notion has led to the concept of synaptopathies as brain diseases with synapse defects as shared pathogenic features. In this review, which was initiated at the 13th International Society for Neurochemistry Advanced School, we discuss basic concepts of synapse structure and function, and provide a critical view of how aberrant synapse physiology may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, Down syndrome, startle disease, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer and Parkinson disease). We finally discuss the appropriateness and potential implications of gathering synapse diseases under a single term. Understanding common causes and intrinsic differences in disease-associated synaptic dysfunction could offer novel clues toward synapse-based therapeutic intervention for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this Review, which was initiated at the 13th International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) Advanced School, we discuss basic concepts of synapse structure and function, and provide a critical view of how aberrant synapse physiology may contribute to neurodevelopmental (autism, Down syndrome, startle disease, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), gathered together under the term of synaptopathies. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 783.

Appraisal of Capital Market Efficiency on Economic Growth in Nigeria

Abstract: The paper is an appraisal of the impact of capital market efficiency on economic growth in Nigeria, using time series data on market capitalization, money supply, interest rate, total market transaction and government development stock that ranges between 1961 to 2004. The model specification for the analysis of data is multiple regression and ordinary lest squares estimation techniques. The result of the study shows that the capital market in Nigeria has the potentials of growth inducing, but it has not contributed meaningfully to the economic growth of Nigeria. This is as a result of low market capitalization, low absorptive capitalization, illiquidity, misappropriation of funds among others. The empirical test indicates that, these variables satisfied the economic apriori and are statistically significant except total transactions and money. Thus it was concluded and recommended that, the capital market remain one of the mainstream in every economy that has the power to influence economic growth, hence the organize private sector is encourage to invest in it. This will enable the capital market improve its illiquidity status for economic growth and development. Therefore the government must contribute in order to achieve these objectives through investing government securities in productive sectors and relaxing laws that spell threat to the capital market.

A comparative assessment of the antimicrobial effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and antibiotics on diarrheagenic organisms.

Abstract: Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were carried out on Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Sal- monella sp, and Proteus mirabilis using standard procedures. Significant differences (p<0.01) were seen in the effect of the antimicrobial agents (garlic, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin), and in the sensitivities of the microbial species (p<0.01) to the antimicrobial agents were observed. The gram-negative diarrheagenic pathogens from the stool samples were highly sensitive to garlic, while ciprofloxacin (CPX) was most effective against E. coli. The differences were in- ferred to result from genetic differences among the organisms and differences in the modes of action of the antibiotics. No isolates were resistant to garlic, making it a promising antimicro- bial agent. It appears that antibiotics that interfere with DNA and RNA syntheses, such as garlic does, could constitute an effective partner in the synergic effect of garlic currently being investigated worldwide.

Schistosomiasis in infants and pre-school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa: implication for control

Abstract: Until recently, the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa have focused primarily on infections in school-aged children and to a lesser extent on adults. Now there is growing evidence and reports of infection in infants and pre-school-aged children (⩽6 years old) in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda, with reported prevalence from 14% to 86%. In this review, we provide available information on the epidemiology, transmission and control of schistosomiasis in this age group, generally not considered or included in national schistosomiasis control programmes that are being implemented in several sub-Saharan African countries. Contrary to previous assumptions, we show that schistosomiasis infection starts from early childhood in many endemic communities and factors associated with exposure of infants and pre-school-aged children to infection are yet to be determined. The development of morbidity early in childhood may contribute to long-term clinical impact and severity of schistosomiasis before they receive treatment. Consistently, these issues are overlooked in most schistosomiasis control programmes. It is, therefore, necessary to review current policy of schistosomiasis control programmes in sub-Saharan Africa to consider the treatment of infant and pre-school-aged children and the health education to mothers.

Assessment of Interradiologist Agreement Regarding Mammographic Breast Density Classification Using the Fifth Edition of the BI-RADS Atlas

Abstract: Objective The objective of the present study was to assess interradiologist agreement regarding mammographic breast density assessment performed using the rating scale outlined in the fifth edition of the BI-RADS atlas of the American College of Radiology. Materials and methods Breast density assessments of 1000 cases were conducted by five radiologists from the same institution who together had recently undergone retraining in mammographic breast density classification based on the fifth edition of BI-RADS. The readers assigned breast density grades (A-D) on the basis of the BI-RADS classification scheme. Repeat assessment of 100 cases was performed by all readers 1 month after the initial assessment. A weighted kappa was used to calculate intrareader and interreader agreement. Results Intrareader agreement ranged from a kappa value of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.77-0.93) to 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81-0.95) on a four-category scale (categories A-D) and from 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86-0.92) to 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97) on a two-category scale (category A-B vs category C-D). Interreader agreement ranged from substantial (κ = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.73-0.78) to almost perfect (κ = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86-0.89) on a four-category scale, and the overall weighted kappa value was substantial (0.79; 95% CI, 0.78-0.83). Interreader agreement on a two-category scale ranged from a kappa value of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.83-0.86) to 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90-0.92), and the overall weighted kappa was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.87-0.89). Conclusion Overall, with regard to mammographic breast density classification, radiologists had substantial interreader agreement when a four-category scale was used and almost perfect interreader agreement when a dichotomous scale was used.