Evaluation of phytochemical analysis and antibacterial potential of different solvent extracts of leaves and stem bark of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against selected pathogenic bacteria

Research into the phytotherapeutic potentials of plants in the treatment of ailments has significantly received attention in recent years. Here, using two solvent extracts, we aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of phytochemicals extracted from leaf and stem bark of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against selected pathogenic bacteria. Solvent extracts of the leaf and stem bark of E. camaldulensis were prepared with methanol and chloroform. Phytochemical screening of crude extract was performed using standard methods. The leaf and stem bark extracts were tested for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method. Aqueous extract of plant (50 mg/mL) was used to prepare 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL concentrations of extract. Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that in the methanolic leaf extract; cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids were present while alkaloids and steroids were found in the chloroform leaf extract. Tannins were present in both extracts. Also, methanolic and chloroform stem bark extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids and tannins. Furthermore, both methanolic and chloroform extracts showed inhibitory effects at varying concentrations. Methanolic extract was effective on E. coli, B. substilis and P. aeruginosa at 25 mg/mL while chloroform extract exhibited inhibitory effect on E. coli at concentrations of 12.5 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL. Phytochemical screening of leaf and stem bark extract of E. camaldulensis revealed the presence of some active secondary metabolites; with the methanolic extracts showing more considerable antimicrobial effects

Serum C-Reactive Protein in Nigerians With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: C-reactive protein is an acute-phase proteins, produce in the liver, its release is stimulated by cytokines (interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha). Elevated level of it is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Baseline levels of C-reactive protein in apparently healthy men and women predict long-term risk of a first myocardial infarction. Diabetics are at increased risk for coronary heart disease, data from the Framingham Study showed a two-to three-fold elevation in the risk of clinically evident atherosclerotic disease in patients with type II diabetes compared to those without diabetes. However, but data regarding CRP in Nigerian diabetic is lacking.Method: A cross-sectional study conducted among patients attending out patient clinic of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals complex (OAUTHC) Ile Ife, Osun State south western Nigeria. Measurement of C-reactive protein was based on the principle of solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: A total of 125 consecutive subjects were recruited comprising 75 patients with type II diabetes mellitus with or without hypertension and 50 apparently healthy age-and-sex comparable controls. There was a significant difference between the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the patients and controls. The fasting blood glucose and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in diabetics compared to controls. There was a positive and significant correlation between FBG and CRP in both patients and controls. Conclusion: This study showed that diabetics have significantly higher serum C-reactive protein compared to the apparently controls. Also there was a positive and significant correlation between C-reactive protein and fasting blood glucose among both patients and controls

Study of Physicochemical Properties of Palm Oil Decanter Cake for Potential Syngas Generation

Biomass waste are attractive energy source that can combat the rising energy challenge facing the world when utilized appropriately and accordingly. Unfortunately, the knowledge of the potential of some biomass waste are still missing and this has affected their maximum utilization as energy source in thermal processes like gasification. In this study, the potential of palm oil decanter cake (PODC) for syngas production through thermal processes was determined by bomb calorimeter, CHNS analyzer, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

Efficient extraction of antioxidants from Vernonia cinerea leaves: Comparing response surface methodology and artificial neural network

Despite response surface methodology (RSM) has been the most preferred statistical tool for optimizing extraction processes, artificial neural network (ANN) has been one of the most effective tools used for optimization and empirical modelling since the last two decades, most especially for non-linear equations. Thus, this study was carried out to compare the performance of RSM and ANN in optimizing the extraction yield and antioxidant capability of extract from Vernonia cinerea leaves using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) techniques. The responses (extraction yield and antioxidant capabilities) were modelled and optimized as functions of four independent MAE parameters (irradiation time, microwave power level, ethanol concentration, and feed-to-solvent ratio) using RSM and ANN. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and absolute average deviation (AAD) were employed to compare the performance of both modelling tools. ANN model has a higher predictive potential compared to RSM model with higher correlation coefficients of 0.9912, 0.9928 and 0.9944 for extraction yield, DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, respectively. Thus, ANN model could be a better alternative in data fitting for the MAE of antioxidants from Vernonia cinerea leave

Optimizing Compressive Strength Properties of Binary Blended Cement Rice Husk Concrete for Road Pavement

Different supplementary cementitious materials are often blended with cement to produce sustainable concrete. More often than not, the strength of blended concrete is compromised, if the constituent materials are not carefully selected. In this study, optimization of strength properties of blended cement-rice husk ash (RHA) was carried out to determine the best mix ratio that produced binary blended concrete of high strength. Different mix ratios of cement and RHA were studied at a water cement ratio of 0.4 to produce concrete specimens. RHA was produced by burning 700 ℃ for an hour and its chemical composition was determined using the X-Ray Fluoresce (XRF) technique. RHA produced was used to replace cement at replacement levels of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 %, and was used as binder. The compressive strength of each concrete mix was determined at 7, 28, and 56 days. Approximately 250 concrete cubes were tested and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. The results showed that compressive strength and internal structure varied with RHA as a replacement for cement. Optimal strength was achieved for a concrete mixture, prepared at a water: cement: aggregate ratio of 1:1.5:3, respectively, and a RHA replacement ratio of 5 %. HIGHLIGHTS Cement is the most utilized construction material. The energy-intensive processes that are involved in its production contribute up to 10 % of total global CO2emissions, with potentially adverse environmental implications. It is however possible, that energy and cost efficiency can be achieved by reducing on the amount of clinker, and in its place utilising supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or pozzolans Currently, most sustainable concrete uses either GGBS (slag) or PFA (fly ash) to reduce the quantity of cement used in construction and highways applications. GGBS and PFA come from industries (steel and coal waste respectively) which are in decline that should not be relied upon in the long term. Therefore, for long term sustainability it is imperative to focus attention on other alternative pozzolans This report shows that cement in concrete can also be replaced with rice husk ash (RHA) which actually enhances the mechanical properties. Findings show the usage of up to 5 % rice husk ash as a partial cement replacement can enhance the strength of concrete whilst reducing the embodied CO

Progress and current trends in the synthesis of novel polymers with enhanced mucoadhesive properties

Mucoadhesion is defined as the adherence of a synthetic or natural polymer to a mucosal membrane via physical or chemical interactions. Mucoadhesive materials are widely used to develop dosage forms for transmucosal drug delivery via ocular, nasal, esophageal, oral, vaginal, rectal, and intravesical routes of administration. This review will discuss some of the most prominent and recent synthetic methodologies employed to modify polymeric materials in order to enhance their mucoadhesive properties. This includes chemical conjugation of polymers with molecules bearing thiol‐, catechol‐, boronate‐, acrylate‐, methacrylate‐, maleimide‐, and N‐hydroxy(sulfo)succinimide ester‐ groups

The transitioning experiences of internationally-educated nurses into a Canadian health care system: A focused ethnography

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Beyond well-documented credentialing issues, internationally-educated nurses (IENs) may need considerable support in transitioning into new social and health care environments. This study was undertaken to gain an understanding of transitioning experiences of IENs upon relocation to Canada, while creating policy and practice recommendations applicable globally for improving the quality of transitioning and the retention of IENs.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A focused ethnography of newly-recruited IENs was conducted, using individual semi-structured interviews at both one-to-three months (Phase 1) and nine-to-twelve months post-relocation (Phase 2). A purposive sample of IENs was recruited during their orientation at a local college, to a health authority within western Canada which had recruited them for employment throughout the region. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data was managed using qualitative analytical software. Data analysis was informed by Roper and Shapira's framework for focused ethnography.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Twenty three IENs consented to participate in 31 interviews. All IENs which indicated interest during their orientation sessions consented to the interviews, yet 14 did not complete the Phase 2 interview due to reorganization of health services and relocation. The ethno-culturally diverse group had an average age of 36.4 years, were primarily educated to first degree level or higher, and were largely (under) employed as "Graduate Nurses". Many IENs reported negative experiences related to their work contract and overall support upon arrival. There were striking differences in nursing practice and some experiences of perceived discrimination. The primary area of discontentment was the apparent communication breakdown at the recruitment stage with subsequent discrepancy in expected professional role and financial reimbursement.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Explicit and clear communication is needed between employers and recruitment agencies to avoid employment contract misunderstandings and to enable clear interpretation of the credentialing processes. Pre-arrival orientation of IENs including health care communications should be encouraged and supported by the recruiting institution. Moreover, employers should provide more structured and comprehensive workplace orientation to IENs with consistent preceptorship. Similar to findings of many other studies, diversity should be valued and incorporated into the professional culture by nurse managers.</p

Determination of cross-sectional void fraction in a two-phase water flow through a PVC pipe

Gamma ray transmission method for void faction measurement studies is in rare use in Nigeria, especially in industries and research.The study used this method to determine the cross-sectional void fraction of two-phase water flow through a Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipechannel.The gamma-ray counts transmitted through the water pipe were recorded and used to calculate the void fraction using a semi-empirical approach. Void ratio values varying from 0.171 – 0.036 were obtained for water flow rates ranging between 0.5gal/min - 4.0gal/min at estimated constant air flow rate. Conclusively, the experimental results compared well with Chisholm theoretical model predictions of void ratio applicable to horizontal flow.The use of two or more theoretical model predictions is recommended for further comparative study with experimental process. Also, more use of gamma ray transmission method should be encouraged

The use of formative research to inform the design of a seasonal malaria chemoprevention intervention in northern Nigeria

BACKGROUND:Experience of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is growing in the Sahel sub-region of Africa, though there remains insufficient evidence to recommend a standard deployment strategy. In 2012, a project was initiated in Katsina state, northern Nigeria, to design an appropriate and effective community-based delivery approach for SMC, in consultation with local stakeholders. Formative research (FR) was conducted locally to explore the potential feasibility and acceptability of SMC and to highlight information gaps and practical considerations to inform the intervention design. METHODS:The FR adopted qualitative methods; 36 in-depth interviews and 18 focus group discussions were conducted across 13 target groups active across the health system and within the community. Analysis followed the 'framework' approach. The process for incorporating the FR results into the project design was iterative which was initiated by a week-long 'intervention design' workshop with relevant stakeholders. RESULTS:The FR highlighted both supportive and hindering factors to be considered in the intervention design. Malaria control was identified as a community priority, the community health workers were a trusted resource and the local leadership exerted strong influence over household decisions. However, there were perceived challenges with quality of care at both community and health facility levels, referral linkage and supportive supervision were weak, literacy levels lower than anticipated and there was the potential for suspicion of 'outside' interventions. There was broad consensus across target groups that community-based SMC drug delivery would better enable a high coverage of beneficiaries and potentially garner wider community support. A mixed approach was recommended, including both community fixed-point and household-to-household SMC delivery. The FR findings were used to inform the overall distribution strategy, mechanisms for integration into the health system, capacity building and training approaches, supportive interventions to strengthen the health system, and the social mobilization strategy. CONCLUSIONS:Formative research played a valuable role in exploring local socio-cultural contexts and health system realities. Both opportunities and challenges for the introduction of SMC delivery were highlighted, which were appropriately considered in the design of the project

Controls on early‐rift geometry: new perspectives from the Bilila‐Mtakataka fault, Malawi

We use the ~110 km long Bilila‐Mtakataka fault in the amagmatic southern East African Rift, Malawi, to investigate the controls on early‐rift geometry at the scale of a major border fault. Morphological variations along the 14±8 m high scarp define six 10‐40 km long segments, which are either foliation parallel, or oblique to both foliation and the current regional extension direction. As the scarp is neither consistently parallel to foliation, nor well oriented for the current regional extension direction, we suggest the segmented surface expression is related to the local reactivation of well oriented weak shallow fabrics above a broadly continuous structure at depth. Using a geometrical model, the geometry of the best‐fitting subsurface structure is consistent with the local strain field from recent seismicity. In conclusion, within this early‐rift, pre‐existing weaknesses only locally control border fault geometry at subsurface