Ameliorative potential of quercetin and rutin on dextromethorphan-induced toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats

Dextromethorphan as an antitussive has been reported to have deleterious effect on the testicular function. Quercetin is an extensive class of polyphenolic flavonoid compounds found in plant sources like green vegetables and tea. It is considered to be a strong antioxidant due to its ability scavenge free radicals and bind transition metal ions. Rutin is a flavonoid of the flavonol-type that is found in plant kingdom and a nutritional component of foodstuffs in apples, onions and black tea. In this study, we determined the effect of Quercetin and Rutin on Dextromethorphan-induced toxicity in males using Sprague-Dawley rats as models. Eighty male rats (150 ± 30 g) divided into four (N=20; A-D) were used for a duration of 16 weeks. Group A, control received distilled water (DW); group B-C received 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg of DM respectively. At the end of treatment period, 5 animals were selected and euthanized from each group. Seminal parameters and Hormonal milieu were analysed. The remaining 15 rats were divided into 3 groups (N=5; E-G). They received Quercetin (50 mg/kg) Rutin (25 mg/kg) and DW respectively for 16 weeks to ascertain recovery rate. The rats were sacrificed and the above parameters were analysed. Significant dose-dependent reduction in seminal parameters and hormones was observed in DM- treated groups. An increase in seminal parameters and hormonal milieu was observed when DM- treated and recovery-alone groups were compared to Rutin and Quercetin groups. The supplementation of Rutin and Quercetin showed significant increases in the parameters which could mitigate the toxic effect of Dextromethorphan and in turn translates into improved fertility in males

STABILITY OF BIOSURFACTANT PRODUCED BY PSEUDOMONAS TAENENSIS

Biosurfactants are one of the microbial bioproducts that are naturally synthesized and are applicable for many industrial purposes. In this study, antibacterial, stability and antibiotic susceptibility of biosurfactant was evaluated. Biosurfactants produced from different substrates (groundnut cake, cassava flour waste, pome, cooking oil, engine oil, cassava waste water, molasses, cassava peel, potato) by Pseudomonas taenensis were evaluated for antibacterial activity using agar well diffusion method. Antibiotics susceptibility of Pseudomonas taenensis was carried out using different antibiotics (augmentin, ofloxacin, tetracyclin and ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, pefloxacin, amoxylin, ceftriazone, nitrofuranton and gentamycin). The stability of the biosurfactant was evaluated by adjusting the biosurfactant to: pH (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) using 1M NaOH and 1M HCl, temperature (4, 30, 37, 55, 75 and 100 °C) and NaCl (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 %). Results showed that only biosurfactant produced using cassava waste water as substrate was sensitive to Escherichia coli while biosurfactant produced using cassava flour waste, pome and molasses were sensitive to Staphylococcus aureus. Biosurfactant-producing isolate (Pseudomonas taenensis) was sensitive to four antibiotics (augmentin, ofloxacin, tetracyclin and ciprofloxacin) and resistant to six antibiotics (cotrimoxazole, pefloxacin, amoxylin, ceftriazone, nitrofuranton and gentamycin). Biosurfactant was stable over all the wide ranges of pH, temperature and sodium chloride concentrations investigated. This study therefore revealed that biosurfactant have good stability, thus, could survive environmental stress; Not all biosurfactant and biosurfactant producers have antimicrobial and antibiotic property.   &nbsp

Global excellence in rheumatology: Africa–The contribution of African women rheumatologists

Over the last few decades, the development of Rheumatology on the African continent has made great strides. Alongside an increasing recognition of the prevalence and burden of disease from these conditions, has been a determination to raise awareness of these disorders in Africa together with an appreciation of the associated disease impact on individuals, families and society as a whole. Great improvements have also been made across the continent with regards to the education of medical students, trainee doctors and allied health professionals of these conditions. Furthermore, high quality rheumatological research is now emanating from Africa. Taken together, these actions mean that Africa is making a significant contribution to global excellence in Rheumatology. Although this achievement has been made possible by visionary, hardworking and inspirational men and women, we believe that it is vital to bring to light the extraordinary efforts of African female rheumatologists in this endeavor. Their contribution is all the more remarkable because of the barriers that women still face in medicine in general and in academia in particular. We showcase here, four women of distinction who in their own unique way, have exemplified the contribution of African female rheumatologists to global excellence in Africa. We pay tribute to them and to their ongoing efforts to act as beacons of excellence in rheumatology in Africa to men and especially to other women

Experiences of South Asian patients in early inflammatory arthritis clinic: a qualitative interview study

Objective: The aim was to explore how UK South Asian patients living with RA interact with health care professionals and experience receiving health information in an early inflammatory arthritis clinic. Methods: A semi-structured interview schedule, designed in conjunction with a patient partner, was used for face-to-face interviews. South Asian participants with RA were recruited from Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. Data were recorded and transcribed by an independent company. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Fifteen participants were interviewed. Three predominant themes emerged around participants’ experiences and interaction with health care professionals in early inflammatory arthritis clinic. First, ‘the personal experiences of RA and cultural link to early inflammatory arthritis clinic’, where participants described the impact of RA as individuals and their altered roles within their cultural setting. Second, ‘experiences of interacting and receiving information in the early inflammatory arthritis clinic’, where participants described their limited engagement with health care professionals and the quality of information discussed in the clinic. Third, ‘views on future content for early inflammatory arthritis clinics’, where participants highlighted new innovative ideas to build on current practice. Conclusion: We believe this to be the first study to generate insight into the experiences of South Asian patients of interacting with health care professionals while attending an early inflammatory arthritis clinic. Policy directives aimed at improving access to services and delivery of information for ethnic minority groups in early inflammatory arthritis clinics should include consideration of the different roles of cultures. Professionals should be cognizant of the factors that drive health inequalities and focus on improving service delivery

EFFECTS OF RICE HUSK BIOCHAR ON THE GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS, RHIZOSPHERIC MICROFLORA AND YIELD OF TOMATO PLANTS

Human activities have degenerated nearly 40% of the universe soil through excessive chemical inputs, tilling and industrial activities. Biochar can increase soil fecundity, agricultural producti- vity and protects soil-borne diseases. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of rice husk biochar on the growth and yield of tomato plants. Biochar was produced through feedstock (rice-husk) pyrolysis and used as soil amendments at different concentrations (20 t/ha and 40 t/ha) and an unamend soil served as control. Physicochemical properties of the soil, rice husk, biochar and biochar soil before and after planting were determined using standard methods. Rhizospheric microflora of the plants were isolated and identified based on morphological and biochemical characterizations. Agronomic parameters such as plant height, stem girth, leaf area, number of leaves, flowers, fruits and weight of fruits were determined. Results revealed that rice husk biochar (40 t/ha) had the highest physical and chemical parameters while the unamend soil had the lowest constituents. Predominant bacterium and fungus are Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger. Agronomic parameters: plant heights, stem girths, leaf areas, number of leaves, flowers, fruits and weight of fruits were higher in all the amended soil than the control at the various growth stages. The unamend soil yielded no fruit at 10th week while the amended soil yielded an average fruit weight of 34.95g ± 8.76 and 21.53g ± 5.16 at 20 t/ha and 40 t/ha respectively. This study revealed that biochar produced from rice husk could be used to improve growth and yield of tomato plants.   &nbsp

The genetic and epigenetic contributions to the development of nutritional rickets

Nutritional rickets is an important disease in global health. Although nutritional rickets commonly manifests as bony deformities, there is an increased risk of life-threatening seizures secondary to hypocalcaemia. Dietary vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of nutritional rickets among children and infants. This is especially true in populations of darker skinned individuals in high-latitude environments due to decreased ultraviolet light exposure, and in populations in tropical and subtropical climates due to cultural practices. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that genetic factors might influence the likelihood of developing nutritional rickets by influencing an individual’s susceptibility to develop deficiencies in vitamin D and/or calcium. This evidence has been drawn from a variety of different techniques ranging from traditional twin studies to next generation sequencing techniques. Additionally, the role of the epigenome in the development of rickets, although poorly understood, may be related to the effects of DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs on genes involved in bone metabolism. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence that investigates the genetic and epigenetic determinants of nutritional rickets

Assessment of Lighting Strategies and Their Influence on Users' Experience in Art Galleries

Adequate daylighting represents both an element of pleasure and at the same time, an element of pain. Often, these two essentials tend to conflict with one another since revealing artwork to a source of concentrated light can sometimes affect its eminence. There is, therefore, a significant need to assess lighting strategies used in art galleries and their influence on users of art galleries. This project aims to assess lighting strategies and their influence on the users of selected art galleries. This research made use of quantitative research approach. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and the IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to analyze the quantitative data. Results show that natural lighting is essential in achieving a positive user experience, and the positioning of openings should be considered when designing an exhibition space to avoid glare. Conclusively natural lighting should be considered in designing exhibition spaces. In other to achieve this natural lighting without hurting the users, positioning of the opening ought to be considered carefully. In conclusion, lighting strategies used an exhibitio

A feasibility study of educational tools for osteomalacia

Many people in the UK, particularly people of South Asian origin, are advised to supplement their vitamin D intake, yet most do not. This suggests an unmet educational need. The osteomalacia mind map was developed to meet this need. The mind map contains culturally sensitive images, translated into Urdu and made interactive on a DVD. This study explores the feasibility of a randomised controlled study to measure the effect of education on improving vitamin D knowledge and adherence. This was a pilot and feasibility study. Cluster randomisation was used to avoid inter person contamination. Two South Asian women’s groups were recruited to receive information about osteomalacia either by interactive DVD or an Arthritis Research UK leaflet. Knowledge and compliance were tested before and after the educational interventions via a knowledge questionnaire and the measurement of vitamin D and parathormone levels. The groups were found to be mismatched for knowledge, educational attainment and language at baseline. There were also organisational difficulties and possible confounding due to different tutors and translators. The DVD group had high knowledge at baseline which did not improve. The leaflet group had low knowledge at baseline that did improve. The DVD group had lower parathormone which did not change. The leaflet group had an increase in vitamin D but parathormone remained high. Performing a randomised study with this population utilising an educational intervention was difficult to execute. If cluster randomisation is used, extreme care must be taken to match the groups at baseline

Patient and public involvement in rheumatic and musculoskeletal research: an idea whose time has firmly come

Patient and public involvement is an idea whose time has firmly come. It is the views of these Guest Editors that it is the right thing to do morally and improves research quality and applicability

Potential Biosurfactant-producing Bacteria from Pharmaceutical Wastewater using Simple Screening Methods in South-West, Nigeria

Emerging multiple opportunities for industrial production and environmental applications have focused increasing research attention on biosurfactants in recent years. Hydrocarbon-polluted soils have proved a major source of biosurfactant-producing bacteria. In this study an alternative method of producing biosurfactants was established, based on pharmaceutical effluents. Pharmaceutical effluents are a rich source of complex organic compounds with potential as a substrate for microbial biosurfactant production. A successful biosurfactant screening assay is achieved when a combination of different methods are employed. Biosurfactant producing bacteria were isolated from pharmaceutical effluent and identified by biochemical methods. The best biosurfactant producer was identified by a molecular method. The biosurfactant screening techniques employed were drop collapse assay, haemolytic assay, oil spreading assay, bacteria adhesion to hydrocarbon assay and emulsification assay. Analysis of haemolytic activity indicated that 35 isolates (44.30 %) produced beta-haemolysis, 12 isolates (15.19 %) produced gamma-haemolysis, while 32 isolates (40.51 %) produced alpha-haemolysis. The highest zone of clearance was 42.0±1.73 by isolate DF7 and lowest zone of clearance was obtained from isolate GC5 of 12.0±0.73. Screening of the 35 isolates using the oil spreading test showed that 28 isolates (80.0 %) were positive, while 7 isolates (20.0 %) were negative. The highest zone of clearance for the oil in water was 19.0±0.1 by DF1 while the lowest zone was 4.3±0.33 by MB3. The drop collapse test revealed that 22 isolates (78.57 %) were positive and 6 isolates (21.43 %) were negative. At 0 h, the highest emulsification percentage was 74.4 % by Bacillus licheniformis and the lowest was 42.5 % by Arthrobacter globiformis. After 24h, the highest emulsification value (69.23 %) was obtained for Bacillus clausis, while the lowest value (30.84 %) was obtained for Arthrobacter globiformis. The findings demonstrated the ability of the isolates to produce biosurfactant, and confirmed the capacity of Bacillus clausis isolated from pharmaceutical effluents as a potential bacteria for biosurfactant production