Antimicrobial Activities of Some Nigerian Chewing Sticks

The antimicrobial activities of the ethanolic extracts of three Nigerian chewing sticks, namely, Terminalia glaucescens, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Pseudocedrela kotschyi were investigated. Results from this study showed that the antimicrobial activities of the tested chewing sticks vary and are target-microbe specific. Of the tested chewing sticks, A. leiocarpus showed a significantly higher antibacterial activity (P\u3c0.05) against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes; and this was closely followed by T. glaucescens, while P. kotschyi virtually had no activity against these two organisms. However, the activity of T. glaucescens against Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher (P\u3c0.05) than that exhibited by A. leiocarpus. The extracts of the three chewing sticks had no activity against Candida albicans. The antibacterial activities of these two potent chewing sticks made them suitable for better dental care

The effect of multiple adverse childhood experiences on health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background A growing body of research identifies the harmful effects that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; occurring during childhood or adolescence; eg, child maltreatment or exposure to domestic violence) have on health throughout life. Studies have quantified such effects for individual ACEs. However, ACEs frequently co-occur and no synthesis of findings from studies measuring the effect of multiple ACE types has been done. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched five electronic databases for cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies published up to May 6, 2016, reporting risks of health outcomes, consisting of substance use, sexual health, mental health, weight and physical exercise, violence, and physical health status and conditions, associated with multiple ACEs. We selected articles that presented risk estimates for individuals with at least four ACEs compared with those with none for outcomes with sufficient data for meta-analysis (at least four populations). Included studies also focused on adults aged at least 18 years with a sample size of at least 100. We excluded studies based on high-risk or clinical populations. We extracted data from published reports. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) using a random-effects model. Findings Of 11 621 references identified by the search, 37 included studies provided risk estimates for 23 outcomes, with a total of 253 719 participants. Individuals with at least four ACEs were at increased risk of all health outcomes compared with individuals with no ACEs. Associations were weak or modest for physical inactivity, overweight or obesity, and diabetes (ORs of less than two); moderate for smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor self-rated health, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease (ORs of two to three), strong for sexual risk taking, mental ill health, and problematic alcohol use (ORs of more than three to six), and strongest for problematic drug use and interpersonal and self-directed violence (ORs of more than seven). We identified considerable heterogeneity (I 2 of > 75%) between estimates for almost half of the outcomes. Interpretation To have multiple ACEs is a major risk factor for many health conditions. The outcomes most strongly associated with multiple ACEs represent ACE risks for the next generation (eg, violence, mental illness, and substance use). To sustain improvements in public health requires a shift in focus to include prevention of ACEs, resilience building, and ACE-informed service provision. The Sustainable Development Goals provide a global platform to reduce ACEs and their life-course effect on health. Funding Public Health Wales. © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licens

European research priorities for intracerebral haemorrhage

Over 2 million people are affected by intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) worldwide every year, one third of them dying within 1 month, and many survivors being left with permanent disability. Unlike most other stroke types, the incidence, morbidity and mortality of ICH have not declined over time. No standardised diagnostic workup for the detection of the various underlying causes of ICH currently exists, and the evidence for medical or surgical therapeutic interventions remains limited. A dedicated European research programme for ICH is needed to identify ways to reduce the burden of ICH-related death and disability. The European Research Network on Intracerebral Haemorrhage EURONICH is a multidisciplinary academic research collaboration that has been established to define current research priorities and to conduct large clinical studies on all aspects of ICH. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Base

An open dataset of Plasmodium falciparum genome variation in 7,000 worldwide samples.

MalariaGEN is a data-sharing network that enables groups around the world to work together on the genomic epidemiology of malaria. Here we describe a new release of curated genome variation data on 7,000 Plasmodium falciparum samples from MalariaGEN partner studies in 28 malaria-endemic countries. High-quality genotype calls on 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short indels were produced using a standardised analysis pipeline. Copy number variants associated with drug resistance and structural variants that cause failure of rapid diagnostic tests were also analysed.  Almost all samples showed genetic evidence of resistance to at least one antimalarial drug, and some samples from Southeast Asia carried markers of resistance to six commonly-used drugs. Genes expressed during the mosquito stage of the parasite life-cycle are prominent among loci that show strong geographic differentiation. By continuing to enlarge this open data resource we aim to facilitate research into the evolutionary processes affecting malaria control and to accelerate development of the surveillance toolkit required for malaria elimination

PRODUCTION OF YOGHURTS FROM COW AND SOY COMPOSITE MILK USING STARTER CULTURES FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES

ABSTRACT Objectives: Yorghurt quality, as affected by combining cow milk with soy milk and using starters from different sources, was investigated. Methodology and Results: Premixes containing soy milk, cow milk and soymilk-cow milk (50:50) were used to produce yoghurt using commercially available starter cultures or cultures isolated from naturally fermenting soy milk and cow milk. Chemical and sensory characteristics of the yoghurts were evaluated. pH values of the yoghurt samples were between 4.10 and 4.94, titratable acidity varied between 0.15 -0.33%, crude protein content was 3.50 -12.40%, fat content between 0.13 -2.67% and the total solid content was between 8.24 -23.4%. Combining cow milk with soymilk significantly (P<0.05) increased the total solids, protein, ash, fat and carbohydrate contents of the yoghurt. Yoghurt from cow milk premixes was most preferred, while that from plain soymilk was least accepted. However, addition of cow milk to soymilk significantly (P<0.05) improved the sensory attributes of yoghurt produced from soymilk. Starter cultures isolated from cow milk gave better yoghurt irrespective of the starting premix. Conclusion and application of findings: The results demonstrate that soy yoghurt adoption could be enhanced by premix modification and that production of soy yoghurt with acceptable quality needs a careful selection of starter culture. If soy yoghurt could become more acceptable it could help to fight malnutrition and hunger in developing countries

Microbiology of Some Selected Nigerian Oils Stored under Different Conditions

Abstract The effect of storage conditions on the microbiological qualities of oils extracted from selected oilseeds was investigated. Oils were stored at room temperature, display condition and refrigeration temperature. The highest bacterial count was observed in Groundnut oil and soybean oil and the least in cashewnut oil with the oil stored under display condition having the highest count. On the contrary, cashewnut oil had the highest fungal count and soybean oil the least. The microbial profile of the associated organisms consists of Bacillus subtilis B. licheniformis, Proteus vulgaris, P. mirabilis, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus spp. The slightly elevated microbial count of oils stored under display conditions in the present work seems to be suggesting that the use of antioxidants with antimicrobial property may be helpful in slowing down microbial growth and deteroration in the oils exposed to similar conditions in most Nigerian markets

Biochemical Changes of Soyiru (Fermented Soybean) During Storage

An increased use of fermented soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) as soyiru similar to iru (daddawa) from Locust beans - Parkia filicoidea will enhance nutrition. Soybeans are susceptible to fatty acid oxidation and peroxidative changes. Seed of soybean variety TGX 1440-2E were fermented using a standard 3-day procedure and the ensuing soyiru was stored for 14 days under ambient and refrigeration temperatures of 30±1 0C and 6±1 0C respectively. Proximate evaluation, pH, titratable acidity (TA), peroxide value (POV), Free fatty acids (FFA) and Ascorbic acid Antioxidant capacity (AEAC) were determined in triplicate. The proximate composition of soyiru was 6.07% crude fat, 15.97% crude protein (Nx6.25), 9.96% carbohydrate with 41.46 mg kg-1 reducing sugar, a dry matter of 35.6% corresponding to a moisture content of 64.4 %; 1.96 % crude ash and 1.64 % crude fibre. At ambient storage pH increased with reduction in TA, indicating alkaline fermentation while with refrigeration, pH decreased with increasing TA, underscoring acid fermentation. Carbohydrate content, reducing sugar content and FFA decreased with storage while moisture content and POV increased. AEAC increased from 140 to 290 mg100g-1 respectively with processing but decreased to 25 and 155mg 100g-1 respectively with ten days refrigeration and ambient storage. For both storage conditions, FFA content decreased while POV increased. A `house-fly test confirmed signs of approaching spoilage on the fourth day and sixth day of ambient and refrigerated storage, respectively. From these results, it seems that peroxidation is a key biochemical factor in spoilage of soyiru and that the product is perishable and should be used fresh. Kolapo, Adelodun L. & Sanni, Morenike O. Les Changements Biochimiques du Soyiru (soja Fermenté) Pendant le Stockage. Un usage augmenté du soja ferrmenté (Glycine max. L Merrill) comme soyiru similaire à iru (daddawa) des haricots du croquet (paricia filicoidea) améliorera la nutrition. Les sojas sont susceptibles aux changements péroxidatives et l\'oxidation de l\'acide gras. Les variétés TGX 1440-2E de la semence du soja étaient fermentées en utilisant un processus normal des trois jours. Puis le soyiru qui s\'ensuit était stocké pour 14 jours des températures ambientes et réfrigératoires de 30 ± 1oC respectivement. L\'évaluation proximative pH, l\'acidité titratable (TA) la valeur péroxidique (POV) le libre acide gras (FFA) et la capacité antioxidante de l\'acide ascorbique (AEAC) étaient déterminés en trois exemplaires. La composition proximative du soyiru était 6.07% du gras cru 15.97% de la protéine crue (N x 6.25) 9.96% de l\'hydrate de carbone avec 41.46 mg kg -1 du sucre réduit, une matière sèche de 35.6% correspondant à un contenu de l\'humidité de 64. 4%, 1.96% du cendre cru et 1.64% de la fibre crue. A stockage d\'ambient, le pH avait augumenté avec la réduction en TA indiquant fermentation alkaline lors de la réfrigération. Le pH a diminué avec l\'augmentation en TA soulignant une fermentation acidique. Le contenu de l\'hydrate carbone, le contenu réduit du sucre et FFA avaient diminué avec le stockage alors que le contenu de l\'humidité et POV ont augmenté. AEAC a augmenté de 140 à 290 mg 100g-1 respectivenent avec le traitement mais diminué à 25 et 155mg 100g-1 respectivement avec la réfrigération. Pour les deux conditions de stockage, le contenu FFA a diminué alors que POV a augmenté. Un éssai de la mouche domestique a confirmé les signes imminentes de la détérioration aux quatriéme et sixiéme jours de l\'ambient et du stockage réfrigéré respectivement. A partir de ces resultats, il parait que péroxidation est un principal étément biochimique dans la détérioration de soyiru. Le produit est périssable et donc il est recommandé qu\'on l\'utilise tout frais. Keywords: Antioxidant, peroxidation, pH, proximate content, soyiru. Agricultural and Food Science Journal of Ghana Vol. 6 2007 pp. 471-48

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) grown in Nigeria: In vitro antisickling activity on deoxygenated erythrocyte cells

Context: Traditional medicine, which is more available and affordable for the poor uses medicinal plants for the treatment and management of various ailments, including the sickle cell disease (SCD). About 24 million Nigerians are carriers of this sickled cell gene, while approximately 2.4 million are SCD patients. Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) possesses high nutritional value and has been used in folklore medicine to treat various ailments related to pain and inflammation. Chemical, pharmacological and pharmacognostical applications of Moringa oleifera have been reported. Objective: This study investigated the antisickling potential of polar and non-polar extracts of the seed, flower and leaf of Moringa oleifera for the first time. Materials and Methods: Using crude methanol extract, aqueous extract, ethyl acetate and butanol, the in vitro antisickling activities of Moringa oleifera fractions, were evaluated using erythrocyte cells deoxygenated with 2% sodium metabisulphite. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid and normal saline were employed as positive and negative controls. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, free anthraquinones, and alkaloids. Extracts of the seed and flower demonstrated a higher (P<0.05) antisickling activity in comparison to the leaf extract. The leaf extract, as well as those of the seed and flower, equally demonstrated a (P<0.05) reversal of sickled erythrocytes. Discussions and Conclusions: These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera may play a role in the management of SCD, by incorporation of its fractions into recipes. More extensive biological evaluations and further studies will be necessary for the chemical characterization of the antisickling principles

Effects of Nigella sativa Linn. Oil on Gut Bacteria and Liver Function Status of Albino Wistar Rats

Background: Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been suggested for use in several food and pharmaceutical applications due to its bioactive contents. Objectives: The present study investigated the effects of 14 µl/g body weight dosage of NSO on body weight, gut microflora and liver function status (LFS) of albino wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of NSO extract was done. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: 14 µl/g body weight of NSO was administered to group A while group B was given an equal volume of distilled water. Five rats provided baseline data for weight, the microbial counts and LFS in a 12-weeks experiment. At two weeks interval, five rats were sacrificed from each group and their intestinal contents were used for the microbial count (Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) assessment and the blood samples for LFS study. Results: Nigella sativa oil showed the presence of alkaloids (0.083 mg/g), flavonoids (0.302 mg/g), saponins (0.325 mg/g), terpenes (0.138 mg/g), steroids (0.152 mg/g), tannins (0.008 mg/g) and terpenoid (0.138 mg/g). In both groups, the weight of rats continued to increase from the onset of the study, but between 10th and 12th week, non-significant (p&gt;0.05) weight reduction was observed from 191.72±3.23 g to 189.30±4.71 g in the treatment group. Baseline Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and LAB counts (x 106 CFU/g) were 160, 146, 55, 23, and 154 respectively. Sequel to intake of NSO for twelve weeks, the microbial counts (x 106 CFU/g) were respectively 49, 38, 27, 11, and 318. Blood samples also showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in LFS for Aspartate aminotransferase (78.48 to 60.06U/L), Alanine aminotransferase (30.80 to 18.54 U/L), Alkaline phosphatase (97.00 to 79.34U/L), and Bilirubin (0.52 to 0.20 U/L). Conclusion: Beneficial effects of NSO at the investigated dosage of 14 µl/g body weight has been demonstrated as no toxicological effect was observed