International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research
Volume:13 Issue: 2, Spring 2025

Artemisia annua, a medicinal plant with a history dating back over two millennia, has been recognized in ancient Asian and European medical texts as a remedy for a wide range of ailments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed this plant for the treatment of malaria. Traditionally, decoctions of the whole plant have been used to treat diseases such as malaria, cough, and cold. The dried leaf powder is employed to treat diarrhea. The entire flowering plant exhibits a multitude of therapeutic properties, including anthelmintic, antipyretic, antiseptic, and digestive aid. In addition, it can invigorate the body and improve gastric function. Artemisia annua contains a highly significant compound, artemisinin, which serves as the primary constituent of medications used globally to treat malaria. Furthermore, research has demonstrated artemisinin's ability to eradicate breast cancer cells. Tea prepared from Artemisia annua is utilized to manage HIV/AIDS. Recent scientific studies have extensively investigated the plant's antiviral effects on the HIV virus. Given the widespread prevalence of AIDS worldwide, these studies hold immense importance. Through this review, we aim to illuminate the significance and therapeutic applications of Artemisia annua. It is our hope that this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of this plant and its role in promoting public health.

Understanding the control of gene expression and its consequences for cancer biology is greatly aided by the field of epigenomics, which is the study of epigenetic changes throughout the genome. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulation, affect gene activity without altering the DNA sequence, in contrast to genetic mutations. These alterations have a critical role in controlling gene expression, which affects cellular functions such as growth, differentiation, and death. Epigenetic modifications play a major role in cancer by causing dysregulated gene expression, which silences tumor suppressor genes, activates oncogenes, and encourages genomic instability. For instance, hypermethylation of CpG islands at the promoters of tumor suppressor genes, such as p16INK4a and BRCA1, results in the transcriptional repression of these genes. In contrast, global hypomethylation activates oncogenes and causes chromosomal instability. Gene expression and the development of cancer are also highly impacted by histone alterations and chromatin remodeling. The methods for characterizing epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin accessibility, and non-coding RNA interactions, are explained in this article. It emphasizes how important these methods are for identifying the epigenetic changes that contribute to the development and progression of cancer. By addressing therapeutic implications and new treatments like DNA methylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors, this review closes the gap between basic epigenomic changes and their possible application in clinical practice. This study intends to improve cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment by providing a thorough grasp of epigenomic profiling, opening the door for more individualized and successful therapeutic approaches.

Wound infection can cause delayed wound healing, and due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, treatment of wound infection has become less effective using conventional antibiotics. This has led to the search for an alternative treatment method, which ethnomedicine has proven to be promising. Thus, the antibacterial activity of Senna occidentalis leaf extract was evaluated against isolated bacteria from the wound of patients attending Kwararafa Hospital Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of three (3) wounds were randomly swabbed. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard microbiological procedures. The disk diffusion method was used to assess the antibacterial activity of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Senna occidentalis leaf extract at different concentrations (20 mg/ml, 40 mg/ml, 60 mg/ml, 80 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml). The bacteria pathogens isolated and identified are Staphylococcus spp. 3(37.5%), Klebsiella pneumonia 2(25%), Escherichia coli 2 (25%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1(12.5%). The aqueous extract was not effective, while the methanolic leaf extract of the plant displayed promising antibacterial activity at all concentrations against all the bacterial isolates, with the highest zones of inhibition recorded at 100mg/mL, measuring 16±5.0mm, 18±5.0 mm, 20±5.0 mm, and 15±0.0 mm, for Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. The result of this study supports the traditional use of Senna occidentalis in the treatment of wound infections.

Recent advancements in molecular biology and genomics have revolutionized our understanding of meningiomas, leading to novel diagnostic and treatment strategies. Meningiomas are common central nervous system tumors and their management has traditionally relied on histopathological classification. However, the integration of DNA methylation analysis has provided new understanding into the molecular activities of these tumors, providing potential biomarkers for personalized medicine. This review involved a comprehensive search of electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) was conducted to identify relevant studies based on keywords related to DNA methylation inhibitors, meningioma, diagnosis, classification, and treatment. This study was aimed at assessing the recent discoveries regarding DNA methylation inhibitors and their potential clinical applications in diagnosing, classifying, and treating meningiomas. DNA methylation inhibitors are applied in modulating gene expression patterns in meningiomas and Nucleoside analogs demonstrated potential in inhibiting meningioma cell growth by inducing apoptosis through DNA hypomethylation. These inhibitors, when used in combination with conventional treatments, could enhance treatment efficacy, overcome drug resistance, and reduce tumor recurrence, as they can be specifically used to target specific molecular subtypes of meningiomas.

Essential oil biosynthesis is affected by both biotic and abiotic factors. Thus, the quality and quantity of essential oils obtained across various growing origins have not been defined as similar specifications. Accordingly, this work aimed to characterize the physical and chemical profiles of essential oils obtained from C. citratus, C. flexuosus, and C. winterianus. Besides, the antioxidant activity of each species of essential oil was tested by DPPH assay method. Hydro distillation of lemongrass leaves yielded 0.71% (C. citratus) and 0.37% (C. flexuosus) of essential oil with majorly constituted as citral (75% and 80%), β- myrecene (10.79% and 13.95%), geranyl acetate (9.50% and 0.62%), and geraniol (2.71% and 3.01%), respectively. Cymbopogon winterianus had an essential oil yield of 0.88% and abundant in a compound of citronellal (50.63%), geraniol (21.35%), citronellol (13.02%), and α-elemol (11.72%). Specific gravity, refractive index (20 °C), and optical rotation were measured as 0.87, 1.486459, and 0° (C.citratus); 0.88, 1.48339, and 0° (C. flexuosus); 0.87, 1.472835, and -4.33° (C. winterianus), respectively. The DPPH assay test revealed that the essential oils and reference compound have a poor antioxidant potential with antioxidant activity index of 0.0002 (C. citratus and C. flexuosus), 0.0014 (C. winterianus), and 0.07 for the reference ascorbic acid. Overall, the presented profile of essential oils conformed to the monograph of different countries and ISO specifications. Therefore, Cymbopogon species of Ethiopian cultivars have a good quantity and quality of essential oils for commercial production.

The HIV transmission is disproportionately common among sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa, hence comprehensive screening and treatment programs are needed to prevent the epidemic. This review delves into the present approaches and obstacles related to HIV testing and treatment for sex workers in the area. The relationship of public health and human rights is where this issue really is important as ensuring that this vulnerable population has access to healthcare services can drastically lower HIV transmission rates and improve their quality of life. A variety of HIV testing methods are included in this article, such as self-testing techniques, facility-based testing, and community-based testing. It also looks at obstacles to efficient testing and treatment, including stigma, prejudice, restrictions imposed by the law, and problems with access to healthcare. The review demonstrates improved health outcomes and connection to care by highlighting the excellent outcomes of early detection and treatment. Current interventions are also mentioned, such as government and non-governmental organization initiatives and peer education programs. The review's conclusions imply that although there has been progress, there are still major problems that need creative solutions. Future directions to guarantee that sex workers receive comprehensive and continuous treatment include the use of technical innovations, policy reforms, and sustainable techniques. The health and well-being of sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa can be significantly improved by addressing these issues via coordinated efforts, which would ultimately help achieve the larger objective of ending the HIV epidemic.

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma, affects millions of people. S. haematobium is one of the prevalent schistosome species in sub-Saharan Africa and its predicament is linked to its mode of transmission, egg-induced morbidity and control. In endemic areas where people are ignorant of such a water borne disease, exposure is via constant and prolonged contact with lotic fresh water harbouring Schistosoma-infected snails. Thus, this study was aimed at surveying the prevalence of schistosomiasis haematobia among the inhabitants of Gadda-Lasheke in Yorro Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Taraba State, Nigeria and some socio-demographic parameters and risks factors that influence its transmission. Urinary schistosomiasis, is obviously a prevailing health burden in this community because out of sixty-one terminal urine samples examined for Schistosoma eggs, 3.3% was positive for Schistosoma. The prevalence in males (4.8%) was higher than in females (2.3%) though no significant link between schistosomiasis and gender existed (p>0.05). The ages and marital status of the sampled population did not significantly affect the prevalence of infection (p>0.05). There was no distinct infection distribution pattern at both extremes of educational levels. The occupation of the people did not also significantly influence the prevalence of infection even though the farmers were the only people with schistosomiasis. However, there was a significant correlation between individuals who accessed, and came in contact with rivers as their only source of water compared to those using pipe borne water. To tackle this nuisance, comprehensive diagnostics that assess schistosome transmission and disease reduction must be put in place in Gadda-Lasheke with renewed emphasis on education, hygiene improvement and provision of affordable and accessible healthcare interventions.

This study investigates the potential of utilizing coconut shells (Cocos nucifera) as a low-cost, effective adsorbent for dye pollutants in wastewater. Specifically, cellulose was extracted from coconut shells and evaluated for its efficiency in adsorbing methylene blue dye under various conditions. The study employed mechanical pre-treatment of coconut shells followed by chemical extraction of cellulose, which yielded a 13.17% cellulose content. Adsorption tests were conducted at varying pH levels, contact times, adsorbent dosages, dye concentrations, and temperatures to optimize the adsorption process. The results showed that isolated cellulose exhibited maximum adsorption efficiency at pH 12, with an optimal contact time of 30 minutes, while raw coconut shell biomass was most effective at pH 6 with a contact time of 40 minutes. The study further revealed that higher dye concentrations enhanced adsorption capacity, while increased temperatures reduced it, indicating that lower temperatures favor dye removal. The findings highlight the significance of optimizing adsorption conditions and suggest that both isolated cellulose and raw coconut shell biomass are promising adsorbents for sustainable water pollution control. This study contributes to develop practical and eco-friendly solutions for managing dye pollutants, benefiting environmental protection and public health.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in various scientific fields, including biotechnology and biodiversity conservation. This paper explores the significant potential of nanotechnology in advancing these areas within the context of Nigeria. The study highlights how nanotechnology can enhance agricultural biotechnology through the development of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides, which improve nutrient efficiency and pest management, leading to increased crop yields and reduced environmental impact.

In this systematic review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted for this review using several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search focused on articles published in English between January 2000 and December 2023. A total of 83 articles relevant to nanotechnology and biodiversity conservation were selected. Out of these, 37 articles were identified using a targeted selection approach for their specific focus on nanotechnology, biodiversity conservation, and biotechnology within the Nigerian context. The data were organized thematically to address the role of nanotechnology in enhancing biotechnology and biodiversity conservation efforts. Key discussions, conclusions, and recommendations from the reviewed studies were consolidated into a comprehensive summary.

In medical biotechnology, nanomedicine provides advanced solutions for targeted drug delivery, offering significant improvements in treating prevalent diseases like malaria and tuberculosis. Furthermore, the paper discusses the application of nanotechnology in biodiversity conservation, particularly through environmental monitoring and pollution control. Nanosensors and nanofilters are pivotal in detecting pollutants and protecting ecosystems, thus supporting conservation efforts.

The integration of nanotechnology in Nigeria's biotechnology sector and biodiversity conservation initiatives promises to address local challenges such as disease outbreaks, food security, and environmental degradation. By leveraging global advancements, developing countries can harness nanotechnology to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its population.

The black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon is a highly destructive and invasive agricultural pest that has developed resistance to a variety of insecticide classes. In this study, the susceptibility of three field populations of A. ipsilon, collected in 2023 from three Egyptian Governorates (Sharqia, SHA; Kafr El-Shaikh, KAF; Damietta, DAM), to methomyl, profenophos, lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, spinosad, indoxacarb, emamectin benzoate, and methoxyfenozide were monitored and compared. At the same time, the detoxification enzymes activity of A. ipsilon in tested populations was determined. The results showed that the susceptibility of the A. ipsilon population in DAM was significantly higher than that of populations from SHA and KAF. Among them, the A. ipsilon population in DAM had developed low levels of resistance to indoxacarb (RR = 19.80-fold), emamectin benzoate (RR = 16.78-fold), chlorantraniliprole (RR = 14.04-fold), and spinosad (RR = 12.75-fold), and had developed very low-level resistance to methoxyfenozide (RR = 10.01-fold). While the populations of A. ipsilon from SHA, KAF, and DAM had developed very high-level resistance to three insecticides (methomyl, profenophos, and lambda-cyhalothrin). Activity measurements of the main detoxification enzymes show that cytochrome P450 (P450), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the general esterases (ESTs) of the SHA, KAF, and DAM populations of A. ipsilon were significantly higher than those of the susceptible strain (AG-Sus). The findings, along with other strategies, are expected to help with the resistance management of A. ipsilon in different habitats.