Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies on the leaves and stem ofDesmodium scorpiurus Der (sw)

Phytochemical studies on the aerial parts of Desmodium scorpiurus Der (sw) revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, steroids and carbohydrates. The petroleum spirit, chloroform and methanol extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity using clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyrogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results showed that the plant is very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyrogenes with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 x 102 mg/ml

Determinants of insecticide-treated net ownership and utilization among pregnant women in Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria during pregnancy is a major public health problem in Nigeria leading to increase in the risk of maternal mortality, low birth weight and infant mortality. This paper is aimed at highlighting key predictors of the ownership of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and its use among pregnant women in Nigeria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 2348 pregnant women were selected by a multi-stage probability sampling technique. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, ITN ownership, use, knowledge, behaviour and practices. Logistic regression was used to detect predictors of two indicators: ITN ownership, and ITN use in pregnancy among those who owned ITNs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ITN ownership was low; only 28.8% owned ITNs. Key predictors of ITN ownership included women who knew that ITNs prevent malaria (OR = 3.85; <it>p </it>< 0001); and registration at antenatal clinics (OR = 1.34; <it>p </it>= 0.003). The use of ITNs was equally low with only 7.5% of all pregnant women, and 25.7% of all pregnant women who owned ITNs sleeping under a net. The predictors of ITN use in pregnancy among women who owned ITNs (N = 677) identified by logistic regression were: urban residence (OR = 1.87; <it>p </it>= 0.001); knowledge that ITNs prevent malaria (OR = 2.93; <it>p </it>< 0001) and not holding misconceptions about malaria prevention (OR = 1.56; <it>p </it>= 0.036). Educational level was not significantly related to any of the two outcome variables. Although registration at ANC is significantly associated with ownership of a bednet (perhaps through free ITN distribution) this does not translate to significant use of ITNs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>ITN use lagged well behind ITN ownership. This seems to suggest that the current mass distribution of ITNs at antenatal facilities and community levels may not necessarily lead to use unless it is accompanied by behaviour change interventions that address the community level perceptions, misconceptions and positively position ITN as an effective prevention device to prevent malaria</p

The PIDDosome, DNA-damage-induced apoptosis and beyond

P53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD) was cloned as a death domain (DD)-containing protein whose expression is induced by p53. It was later described as the core of a molecular platform-activating caspase-2, named the PIDDosome. These first results pointed towards a role for PIDD in apoptosis, in response to DNA damage. Identification of new PIDDosome complexes involved in DNA repair and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling challenged this early concept. PIDD functions are growing as new complexes and new interaction partners are being discovered, and as additional functions are being revealed. A fascinating feature of PIDD lies within its complex and tight regulation mechanisms, which allow the molecule to fine-tune its different functions: from transcriptional regulation to the expression of different isoforms, and from the interaction with regulatory proteins to an ingenious post-translational cleavage mechanism generating various active fragments with specific functions. Further studies still need to be carried out to provide answers to many unresolved issues and to reconcile conflicting results. This review aims at providing an overview of the current PIDD knowledge statu

Subcellular localization of Grb2 by the adaptor protein Dok-3 restricts the intensity of Ca(2+) signaling in B cells

Spatial and temporal modulation of intracellular Ca(2+) fluxes controls the cellular response of B lymphocytes to antigen stimulation. Herein, we identify the hematopoietic adaptor protein Dok-3 (downstream of kinase-3) as a key component of negative feedback regulation in Ca(2+) signaling from the B-cell antigen receptor. Dok-3 localizes at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and is a major substrate for activated Src family kinase Lyn. Phosphorylated Dok-3 inhibits antigen receptor-induced Ca(2+) elevation by recruiting cytosolic Grb2, which acts at this location as a negative regulator of Bruton's tyrosine kinase. This leads to diminished activation of phospholipase C-γ2 and reduced production of soluble inositol trisphosphate. Hence, the Dok-3/Grb2 module is a membrane-associated signaling organizer, which orchestrates the interaction efficiency of Ca(2+)-mobilizing enzymes