Antibacterial activity of sesquiterpenoids and 8-O-methylated flavonoids from hexane fraction of clove(Syzgium aromaticun)

According to World Health Organization reports, there is a major health challenge now and in the future due to increase resistance of bacteria to well-known antibiotics. This study aimed at identifying some vital metabolites from Hexane fraction of clove ( Syzygium aromaticum) using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LCMS) and its antibacterial activity against some foodborne pathogens. Syzygium aromaticum buds were extracted with Hexane using maceration method. This was followed by LCMS analysis for s econdary metabolites and then antibacterial activity using Agar well diffusion against four foodborne pathogens (Enterobacter spp, Salmonella spp , Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus). The Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal (MBC) of the clove extracts were also determined by the micro dilution method. The LCMS profile revealed the presence of significant metabolites such as Nevadensin (8 O methylated flavonoids) and 9 Hydroxymegastigma 4, 6,7 trien 3 one (Sesquiterpe noids) among others belonging to the well-known class of bioactive compounds that shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. Based on the results obtained, Enterobacter spp was found to be the most susceptible organism with an average zone of 12.5 0±1 .20 mm, followed by E. coli 10.50±1.20 mm. The MIC and MBC of the extract against the test organisms ranged from 62.5 to 2 50 µg/ml. Therefore, the antibacterial activities observed might be as a result of these metabolites, and could be recommended for used in drug management or as antibacterial agent

Surgical treatment for spine diseases in Abuja: Early outcomes study

This study seeks to review the short term outcomes of patients with spine diseases treated in Abuja. We reviewed early morbidity and mortality. A second part of the study evaluated the patients’ perceived outcomes. This may help in presenting the current state of management outcomes of benefit to patients and relatives. Materials and methods The study is a review of prospective data of patients operated in a private specialist hospital in Abuja. The clinical notes of all patients undergoing surgical intervention for spine disease in a single year (January to December 2012) were obtained and relevant demographic and clinical data extracted. A research student (A.I.) then telephoned all the patients to ask them about their outcomes and the success of the operation. The telephone calls were made in January 2013. The patients were asked their opinions on the outcome of the operation, perception of quality of hospital care and whether they would recommend others to have their operations in Nigeria. Results 48 patients were admitted for spinal procedures including surgery in 2012. There were 50 procedures performed. Two patients had an additional operation within the year. There were 21 women and 27 men. The age range was from 28 to 78 with a mean age of 54 years. About 40% of the patients were aged 28-50 and 60% were aged 51-78 years. The diagnosis was degenerative disease in the majority and trauma in 7 cases, metastatic prostate tumour in one and Tuberculosis of the spine in another case. All operations were performed safely and no intra-operative complications occurred. There have been a total of 5 deaths. Three patients with severe spinal cord injury died after discharge due to poor rehabilitation and care. Overall patients rated the operation a success in 87% of cases. Majority would have the operation in Nigeria again. Conclusions Spine operations are being performed safely in Nigeria. The morbidity and mortality is low and outcomes are satisfactory. Patients were satisfied with the early results of their operations. This may help in reducing the exodus of patients to other countries for spine care. Keywords: Abuja, Anterior cervical discectomy, cervical spine traumatic instability, Lumbar, Nigeria, Operation, Outcome, Spine, Surgical fixation, Traum

Micro-level Analysis of Determinants of Farmers' Adaptation Measures to Climate Change in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Lessons from Bayelsa State

The broad objective of this study was to analyse the determinants of climate change adaptation measures by farmers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with particular focus on Bayelsa State. Primary data were collected with the use of questionnaire administered to two hundred farmers. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression. The results indicate that most farmers perceived that long-term temperatures are increasing. Also, the overall perception on long-term changes in precipitation is that the region is getting wetter and that there are pronounced changes in the timing of rains, and frequency of rainstorms. These perceptions are in line with trend analysis results of data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. The result showed that use of resistant varieties, change from livestock to crop production and use of wetlands were the most commonly used method as 35.00%, 32.00% and 31.00% of the farmers respectively confirmed it. Farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics significantly affected the probability of uptake of adaptation measures to counteract the negative effects of climate change. Farmers’ access to free extension services, farm income, output, gender, awareness of climate change, experience, and education affected adaptation to changing climate. This result underlines the important role of increased formal and informal institutional support in promoting use of adaptation options to reduce the negative effects of climate change. It is recommended that government policies need to support research and development that develops and diffuses the appropriate technologies to help farmers adapt to changes in climatic conditions