Cross River University of Technology

About: Cross River University of Technology is a education organization based out in Calabar, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Exergy. The organization has 465 authors who have published 507 publications receiving 2705 citations.

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.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Properties of Polyacrylonitrile-Moringa Extract Nanofibers

Abstract: A simple and cost-effective material composed of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers containing different concentrations of moringa (MR) leaf extracts was fabricated for antimicrobial properties and wound dressing. The fabricated materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial sensitivity of the developed polyacrylonitrile-moringa extract nanofibers was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by the agar diffusion method. A pronounced antibacterial activity was observed with the increase in the incorporated moringa leaf extract concentration within the polyacrylonitrile-moringa extract nanofibers against the bacterial strains. The best antibacterial sensitivity was observed for nanofibers containing 0.5 g of moringa leaf extract which had an inhibitory zone of 15 mm for E. coli and 12 mm for S. aureus. Furthermore, the cost-effective and biodegradable nanofibrous polyacrylonitrile–mo...

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.