In Vitro Antilithiasis Activity of Melastoma malabathricum Linn

Urolithiasis is a painful disease that affects the human population in every part of the world and majority of cases of renal lithiasis have calcium oxalate. The present study was carried out to study effect of M. malabathricum on calcium oxalate crystals in vitro and to determine the relationship between total flavonoid content and anti-crystallization activity of different extract. Four different extract from different parts of M. malabathricum were studied to determine the part with higher activity against calcium oxalate crystallization.The leaf of M. malabathricum demonstrated the highest crystal growth inhibition activity compared to other parts of the plant. The leaf extract was further fractionated by column chromatography. The fractions were studied for total flavonoid content as well as crystal growth inhibition and Spearman correlation showed that there was a good correlation between TFC and antilithiasis activity with the F1 fraction having highest activity. The activity of the F1 fraction was confirmed by calcium oxalate aggregation assay and microscopic examination. The higher content of flavonoids and calcium oxalate antilithiasis activity of the leaves suggest further studies for development of newer effective drugs from this herb. Keywords: M. malabathricum, calcium oxalate, crystallization, lithiasis and total flavonoid content

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF MELASTOMA MALABATHRICUM LINN. FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Objective: The initial study was to screen the phytochemical content of methanol extract of M. malabathricum from seven different locations. The other objective was to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC), Total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant potential and cytotoxic activity (on Hepatoma G2 cells) of these extracts and to determine the relationship between TPC and other parameters.Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of the secondary metabolite was carried out according to standard procedures. TheTPC,TFC and antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride (colorimetric) methodand1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity respectively.Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, analkaloid, steroids, flavonoid, phenols, terpenoids and fixed oil but tested negative for the presence of glycoside and saponins. The samples were found to have high TPC and antioxidant activity. The Bachok Kelantan sample (L7) showed highest phenolic content (671.51±50.07 mg of GAE/g) as well as highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (80.81% and IC50 102 µg/ml). The highest cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells (IC50 1.4µg/ml) was shown by KualaTerengganu, Terengganu sample (L1). The Spearman correlation showed that, there is a strong positive correlation between TPC and antioxidant activity (r = 0.714) as well as strong negative correlation between MTT IC50 and TPC (R =-0.649) of M. malabathricum from different locations. Moreover, there is a weak positive correlation between TFC and antioxidant activity (R = 0.286, p= 0.535). Also, there is poor correlation between TFC and cytotoxicity (R =-0.216, p= 0.64).Conclusion: The phenolic compounds are associated with the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of M. malabathricum, whereas flavonoids are poorly and weakly associated with cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of M. malabathricum respectively. The total phenolic content, mean flavonoid content and mean antioxidant activity of M. malabathricum from different locations were significantly different across seven locations (p<0.05).Â

Epidemiology of COVID-19 and Predictors of Outcome in Nigeria: A Single-Center Study.

There is a paucity of information regarding the epidemiology and outcome of COVID-19 from low/middle-income countries, including from Nigeria. This single-center study described the clinical features, laboratory findings, and predictors of in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted between April 10, 2020 and June 10, 2020 were included. Forty-five patients with a mean age of 43 (16) years, predominantly male (87%), presented with fever (38%), cough (29%), or dyspnea (24%). In-hospital mortality was 16%. The independent predictors of mortality were hypoxemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-5.1) and creatinine \u3e 1.5 mg/dL (aOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.9-9.8)

Research priorities to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to the functioning of societies and their health systems. Prior to the pandemic, health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) were particularly stretched and vulnerable. The International Society of Global Health (ISoGH) sought to systematically identify priorities for health research that would have the potential to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs. Methods: The Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method was used to identify COVID-19-related research priorities. All ISoGH members were invited to participate. Seventy-nine experts in clinical, translational, and population research contributed 192 research questions for consideration. Fifty-two experts then scored those questions based on five pre-defined criteria that were selected for this exercise: 1) feasibility and answerability; 2) potential for burden reduction; 3) potential for a paradigm shift; 4) potential for translation and implementation; and 5) impact on equity. Results: Among the top 10 research priorities, research questions related to vaccination were prominent: health care system access barriers to equitable uptake of COVID-19 vaccination (ranked 1st), determinants of vaccine hesitancy (4th), development and evaluation of effective interventions to decrease vaccine hesitancy (5th), and vaccination impacts on vulnerable population/s (6th). Health care delivery questions also ranked highly, including: effective strategies to manage COVID-19 globally and in LMICs (2nd) and integrating health care for COVID-19 with other essential health services in LMICs (3rd). Additionally, the assessment of COVID-19 patients’ needs in rural areas of LMICs was ranked 7th, and studying the leading socioeconomic determinants and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs using multi-faceted approaches was ranked 8th. The remaining questions in the top 10 were: clarifying paediatric case-fatality rates (CFR) in LMICs and identifying effective strategies for community engagement against COVID-19 in different LMIC contexts. Interpretation: Health policy and systems research to inform COVID-19 vaccine uptake and equitable access to care are urgently needed, especially for rural, vulnerable, and/or marginalised populations. This research should occur in parallel with studies that will identify approaches to minimise vaccine hesitancy and effectively integrate care for COVID-19 with other essential health services in LMICs. ISoGH calls on the funders of health research in LMICs to consider the urgency and priority of this research during the COVID-19 pandemic and support studies that could make a positive difference for the populations of LMICs

Research priorities to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries

publishedVersio

Research priorities to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to the functioning of societies and their health systems. Prior to the pandemic, health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) were particularly stretched and vulnerable. The International Society of Global Health (ISoGH) sought to systematically identify priorities for health research that would have the potential to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs.MethodsThe Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method was used to identify COVID-19-related research priorities. All ISoGH members were invited to participate. Seventy-nine experts in clinical, translational, and population research contributed 192 research questions for consideration. Fifty-two experts then scored those questions based on five pre-defined criteria that were selected for this exercise: 1) feasibility and answerability; 2) potential for burden reduction; 3) potential for a paradigm shift; 4) potential for translation and implementation; and 5) impact on equity.ResultsAmong the top 10 research priorities, research questions related to vaccination were prominent: health care system access barriers to equitable uptake of COVID-19 vaccination (ranked 1st), determinants of vaccine hesitancy (4th), development and evaluation of effective interventions to decrease vaccine hesitancy (5th), and vaccination impacts on vulnerable population/s (6th). Health care delivery questions also ranked highly, including: effective strategies to manage COVID-19 globally and in LMICs (2nd) and integrating health care for COVID-19 with other essential health services in LMICs (3rd). Additionally, the assessment of COVID-19 patients' needs in rural areas of LMICs was ranked 7th, and studying the leading socioeconomic determinants and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs using multi-faceted approaches was ranked 8th. The remaining questions in the top 10 were: clarifying paediatric case-fatality rates (CFR) in LMICs and identifying effective strategies for community engagement against COVID-19 in different LMIC contexts.InterpretationHealth policy and systems research to inform COVID-19 vaccine uptake and equitable access to care are urgently needed, especially for rural, vulnerable, and/or marginalised populations. This research should occur in parallel with studies that will identify approaches to minimise vaccine hesitancy and effectively integrate care for COVID-19 with other essential health services in LMICs. ISoGH calls on the funders of health research in LMICs to consider the urgency and priority of this research during the COVID-19 pandemic and support studies that could make a positive difference for the populations of LMICs

The Integration Of The Traditional Leadership Into The Structure Of Local Government In Yobe State Nigeria Hamza Suleiman Danladi

The issue of integration of traditional leadership in government at local level has led to the emergence of debates on two issues. The first, relates to the relevance of traditional leadership to contemporary democratic concerns; second, it relates to the dilemma on whether traditional institutions are resources or barriers to progress and modernization. This study examined the integration of traditional leadership into the structure of local government in Yobe State Nigeria. The study used Neo-traditionalism and State-Traditional Interaction theories as theoretical lens. The study was qualitative in nature and in-depth interviews were administered on 16 participants that comprised the traditional leaders, government officials, non-governmental organization officials, association leaders, and experts who were purposively selected across three local governments in the state. While the secondary data involves journal articles, government official reports, news papers and magzines, and theses. In terms of data analysis, Braun and Clarke six steps of thematic analysis was employed. The findings explores strategies with which traditional leaders could be integrated in the local government structure in such a way that it will not conflict with the authority and duties of the elected officials of the local government as opposed to the Neo-modernist view. The findings also show that traditional leaders constitute resources with which they enormously contribute to the development of local government in Yobe State. The findings further reveal that there is good and working relationship between the traditional leaders and the local government officials

Central nervous system depressant activity of ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii (Engler) (Loranthaceae) growing on Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae)

This study was carried out to determine phytochemical constituents, median lethal dose (LD50) and central nervous system depressant activity of ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii using laboratory animal models. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) of ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was determined in mice according to the method described by Lorke, 1983. The CNS depressant activity of Globimetula braunii leaf extract was determined using diazepam induced sleep, hole board test and beam walk assay. The ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids and glycoside. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose of the leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was estimated to be 2852 mg/kg bodyweight in mice. The ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii significantly (p <0.05) prolonged the duration of sleep in mice at the dose of 800 mg/kg. The extract prolonged the time to complete the beam walk, and exhibited significant decrease in number of head dips there by indicating a decrease in the exploratory behaviour of the animal. This study suggests that Globimetula braunii possesed sedative property. Keywords: Beam walk assay, diazepam induced sleep, hole board test, central nervous system, Globimetula brauni

Central nervous system depressant activity of fractions of Globimetula braunii Engl. (Loranthaceae) growing on Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) and isolation of lupeol

Globimetula braunii is a parasitic plant belonging to the family Loranthaceae. Traditionally, the plant has been reported to be used in the treatment of insomnia. The study was carried out to investigate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of the fractions of Globimetula braunii growing on Terminalia catappa and to isolate the phytochemical compound(s) present in the most active fraction. The CNS depressant activity of all the fractions was investigated using diazepam induced sleep. The most active fraction was further subjected to the hole board test and beam walk assay. The chromatographic technique was used for the isolation of phytochemical compound. Hexane fraction significantly (p<0.05) reduced latency to sleep and prolonged the sleeping time. Both chloroform and ethylacetate fractions at highest and median doses showed significant increase in the duration of sleep compared to normal saline. The n-butanol fraction at all doses tested do not have any effect on time of onset and duration of sleep when compared with normal saline treated group. Hexane fraction significantly (p<0.05) decreased the number of head dip in a dose dependent manner and delayed the time to reach the goal box compared to normal saline treated group. Lupeol was isolated from n-hexane fraction

Phloroglucinol as a Potential Candidate against Trypanosoma congolense Infection: Insights from In Vivo, In Vitro, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation Analyses

Sub-Saharan Africa is profoundly challenged with African Animal Trypanosomiasis and the available trypanocides are faced with drawbacks, necessitating the search for novel agents. Herein, the chemotherapeutic potential of phloroglucinol on T. congolense infection and its inhibitory effects on the partially purified T. congolense sialidase and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were investigated. Treatment with phloroglucinol for 14 days significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed T. congolense proliferation, increased animal survival and ameliorated anemia induced by the parasite. Using biochemical and histopathological analyses, phloroglucinol was found to prevent renal damages and splenomegaly, besides its protection against T. congolense-associated increase in free serum sialic acids in infected animals. Moreover, the compound inhibited bloodstream T. congolense sialidase via mixed inhibition pattern with inhibition binding constant (Ki) of 0.181 µM, but a very low uncompetitive inhibitory effects against PLA2 (Ki > 9000 µM) was recorded. Molecular docking studies revealed binding energies of −4.9 and −5.3 kcal/mol between phloroglucinol with modeled sialidase and PLA2 respectively, while a 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation using GROMACS revealed the sialidase-phloroglucinol complex to be more compact and stable with higher free binding energy (−67.84 ± 0.50 kJ/mol) than PLA2-phloroglucinol complex (−77.17 ± 0.52 kJ/mol), based on MM-PBSA analysis. The sialidase-phloroglucinol complex had a single hydrogen bond interaction with Ser453 while none was observed for the PLA2-phloroglucinol complex. In conclusion, phloroglucinol showed moderate trypanostatic activity with great potential in ameliorating some of the parasite-induced pathologies and its anti-anemic effects might be linked to inhibition of sialidase rather than PLA2