Background: The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of simvastatin (SIM) against behavioral changes and Histological alterations in the hippocampus induced by methylphenidate (MPH). Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control, normal saline (0. 2 mL), MPH (10 mg/kg), and MPH (10 mg/kg) plus SIM (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg). Open Field Test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) evaluated mood and motor activity. Hippocampus DG and CA1 histomorphological changes were also evaluated. Result: MPH caused anxiety, depression, and motor activity disorder in animals in OFT and EPM (P < 0. 001), while SIM altered MPH-induced mood and motor activity disorders in both tests (P < 0. 001). MPH caused quantitative (P < 0. 001) and qualitative changes in hippocampus DG and CA1 cells. SIM (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) inhibited these neurodegenerative changes of MPH on DG and CA1 cell counts (P < 0. 001) and morphology. Conclusion: SIM conferred neuroprotective properties against MPH-induced behavioral and inhibited MPH-prompted hippocampal cell changes.

Pulp treatment in primary dentition is generally divided into vital and non-vital pulp therapies and assists in the preservation of pulpally involved primary teeth in the dental arch until the affected tooth naturally exfoliates. The success of pulp therapies depends on several factors,e. g. proper case selection, accurate diagnosis and good coronal seal. To date, studies on the success and failure rates of pulp treatments are based on clinical signs and symptoms, radiographic findings and Histological analysis. However, the clinical and radiographic Evidence may not completely portray the true status of the dental pulp. Histological Evidence remains the gold standard in the assessment of pulp condition, whether it is in a healthy or adverse state. The aims of the current research were to summarise the treatment outcomes of pulp therapy in primary dentition based on clinical, radiographic and Histological criteria, and to support its relevance in the presence of limited Histological Evidence to measure authentic treatment success. An electronic database search of dental literature from 1990 to 2022 was carried out using the MEDLINE, i. e. PubMed, database. Current dental literature showed that the success rates of primary tooth pulp therapy are high. The obtained results were based largely on clinical and radiographic studies with narrow Histological investigations to assess the treatment outcome(s) of pulp therapy in primary dentition. Despite the scarcity of Histological Evidence, pulp therapies in primary teeth are still practical due to their statistically empirical success compared to their failure. Consequently, pulp therapy of primary dentition is still relevant, and should continue to be indicated as an important treatment option.

Background: Kidneys exposure to toxins can cause injuries, leading to their functional impairments. Traditionally, plants have been used for the treatment of renal disorders and numerous medicinal plants have been tested for their nephroprotective effects, in such cases as gentamicin (GM) and cisplatin (Cisp)-induced nephrotoxicity. This study assessed the ability of Acalypha wilkesiana’ s extract to counteract its toxic effect based on the biochemical, Histological and proinflammatory cytokines components in rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n=4 each) and administered the following treatments: a) normal control (1 mL/kg body weight normal saline from days 1-10); b) nephrotoxin (GM 120 mg/kg, days 2-7; or Cisp 7 mg/kg on day 3); c) standard drug (120 mg/kg Silymarin plus GM or Cisp, days 1-10); and, d) extract groups (100 or 250 mg/kg, days 1-10 plus GM). Blood samples were collected and subjected to hematological and biochemical evaluations while kidney tissue samples were examined for histopathological alterations, pro-and antioxidants, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results: Treatment of the rats pre-exposed to GM or Cisp with the extract decreased the serum creatinine, urea and MDA levels. The GST and GPx levels were also restored in rats. Glomerular atrophy with tubular epithelial necrosis induced by either nephrotoxin was restored * Corresponding author: to near normal. The expression of COX-2 following the administration of either nephrotoxin was reversed after treatment with the extract. Conclusion: The A. wilkesiana extract exhibited significant nephroprotective property, which could potentially be regarded as a promising alternative to the management of renal diseases.

We conducted this study in the Agogo Traditional Area of the Ashanti region of Ghana where there are numerous cases of conflicts between crop and animal farmers as a result of insufficient pasture for livestock, especially during the dry seasons. This has drawn the attention of various stakeholders in agriculture to the need for supplement feed through pasture establishment. The study examines farmers’ perception and the financial viability of pasture establishment for small ruminant production. The specific objectives of the study are as follow: to identify the cost and returns for the establishment of an acre of pasture, to assess the financial viability of pasture establishment on ‘cut and sell’ basis, to investigate farmers’ perception of pasture establishment for cattle production, to conduct a SWOT analysis of the establishment of pasture in Agogo. The study purports to analyze in detail, farmers' perceptions about the nature of the proposed 'Fodder Bank' policy and its likely effect on crop and livestock production, and whether the proposed policy could generate adequate monetary returns to induce its adoption at the farm level. The study seeks to provide Evidence in support of SDG goals 2 (Zero hunger) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production) of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. To the authors' best of knowledge, this is envisage to provide valuable information to support policy initiatives intended to tackle the root cause of farmer-herder conflicts. The Asante Akim North Municipal is one of the 27 administrative Districts in the Ashanti Region. Its capital is Konongo- Odumasi. The population for this study comprises livestock and crop farmers in Agogo. Asante Akim North Municipal was purposively selected for the study because it is noted for its agrarian abilities and massive production of food in the Ashanti region. The multi stage sampling was employed in this study. At the first stage, Asante Agogo traditional area was selected purposively due to the fact that majority of the inhabitants engage in agricultural activities (GSS 2010). At the second stage, three communities in Agogo namely, Hwidiem, Ananekrom and Bebuso were selected purposively. At the third stage, quota sampling was used to obtain a specific number of farmers from each of the three communities to sum up to 150 respondents as shown in table. Simple random sampling technique was then used to engage the selected farmers in these communities. A sample size of 150 respondents were obtained using the Slovin’s formulae which is a scientific method of obtaining the sample size for a given population. Structured questionnaires consisting of open and close ended questions were used to gather primary data from respondents through face-to-face interviews. Interviews were conducted using the local dialect mostly to enhance communication and to clear all language barriers but English was used where the respondents could give accurate answers in English Language. Data per the questionnaires from respondents were concerning their perception of pasture establishment and the assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of pasture establishment. Secondary data was sought from books, journals, dissertations and the internet. Useful and relevant information on the appropriate materials and their costs for establishing pasture was also obtained from the Agogo MoFA office, and the KNUST Department of Animal Science. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, tables and means were used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of respondents. It was revealed in the study that majority of crop farmers have had their crops destroyed by ruminants especially cattle at least once. Additionally, the study showed that pasture establishment is one way through which crop farms destruction by livestock can be prevented as about 99% of farmers responded in the affirmative. The results for the financial viability of the venture under the assumptions used gave relevant results with BCR of 1.18 and NPV of GHC 3,160. The Internal Rate Return of the venture is estimated at 40.1% and a Pay Back period of 2.61 years. Therefore, it will be economically prudent for investors to commit resources towards establishing pasture. The perception index for commercial, economic and financial concerns of pasture establishment was 3.7 which is skewed toward agree. The statement that had the highest positive perception index was about the fact that pasture establishment will increase the quality of meat. This implies that respondents perceive that the commercial, economic and financial results of pasture establishment will be positive. The perception index for the social category was 3.66. The statement with the highest positive assertion by respondents is the fact that pasture establishment will help control the movement of animals. The perception index of 3.66 which is skewed towards agree means that pasture establishment will attract the support from the community and also bring more benefits to the society. In the category of technical concerns of pasture establishment, the overall perception index for this category is 3.15, which means that the respondents perceive they have a fair technical know- how concerning pasture establishment even though the venture requires technical know-how. In the category of institutional concerns, support and involvement in pasture establishment, the statement with the highest perception index is that MoFA will support farmers with the necessary resources in its capacity. With reference to the chi-square test, the study can conclude that there is a significant relationship between the type of farmer and the perception that support can be drawn from farmer-based associations, and the perception that pasture establishment will increase livestock production as well as the general sales of farmers. Lastly, the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the educational background of the farmer and the perception that it is not difficult to select planting materials for pasture establishment. Farmers in Asante Akim Agogo should adopt the establishment of pasture since it is financially viable. The establishment of pasture in Asante Akim Agogo should be encouraged since it has the potency to reduce the farmer - herder conflicts and ensure food security. For successful pasture establishment, technical know-how is essential.

Arsenic (As) contamination in natural water resources has become a great disaster throughout the world posing serious health problems. The current study was performed to evaluate the protective effects of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) against As exposure in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Fish were fed three times a day with 4.00% of body weight of diet with different doses (0.00, 1.00 × 106, 1.00 × 107 and 1.00 × 108 CFU g-1) of EcN for 80 days and then, challenged with 20.00 mg L-1 As for 96 hr under stagnant flow. Physicochemical characteristics of the inlet water were temperature of 25.10 ± 0.70 ˚C, pH of 7.30 ± 0.20 and dissolved oxygen of 7.30 ± 0.30 mg L-1 and 50.00% of water was exchanged once a week. Afterwards, fish were euthanized with a clove oil solution (50.00 μL L-1) and tissues were dissected from each fish and immediately fixed in 10.00% buffered formalin. The histopathological results indicated that the supplemented EcN did not have any side effects on various organs. It was also observed that the damages to kidney, liver, gill and skin were pronounced in fish exposed to As. However, the histopathological damages induced by As in fish tissues were less pronounced in the EcN-treated groups compared to the fish fed with the basal diet. Lamellar blood congestion in gills and epidermal cells detachment from the skin surface as well as hepatocytes, enterocytes and tubular necrosis were reduced in treated groups. These findings indicate that EcN has the potential to ameliorate the As-induced organ toxicity.

Therapeutic angiogenesis is employed to induce vascular network formation and improve functional recovery in ischemia. The aim of this study is to find an appropriate method to recover local ischemic conditions.Materials and Methods: In this experimental survey, 20 male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200-250 g were randomly divided into four experimental groups respectively: ischemia group in which the femoral artery was transected; phosphate buffer solution group (PBS) in which the femoral artery transected location was immersed with PBS; chitosan (CHIT) group in which the transected location was immersed in a 50 mL CHIT solution; and mast cell transplanted group in which the transected location was immersed with a mixture of 50 mL CHIT and 50 mL PBS that contained 1×106 mast cells.Results: On day 14 after surgery, mean numbers of blood vessels of different sizes in the CHIT/mast cell group significantly increased compared to the other experimental groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our data suggest that mast cell reconstitution could offer a new approach for therapeutic angiogenesis in cases of peripheral arterial diseases.