Evaluation of the Efficacy of Plant Materials for the Control of Flea Beetles Podagrica spp on Okra Abelmoschus esculentus L

The efficacy of the Senegal prickly-ash Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) roots and the African locust bean tree Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) pod back was study for their efficacy in the control of okra pest, Podagrica spp. The study was carried out in the laboratory and on the field in the farming season of 2018. Z. zanthoxyloides roots were obtained from Jima-Doko forest and P. biglibosa fruit back from Takunpara. Both plant materials were air-dried under shade for 120 hours. Both plant parts were pounded separately in wooden mortar with the aid of wooden pestle until the materials turns to fine particles. Determined weight of 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 grams were taken for each plant materials and soaked in water for 24 hours and stirred at intervals of an hour. The mixture were then sieved with a muslin cloth and filtered with Whatman filter paper to eliminate all finest particles of varying sizes. These concentrations were applied individually on 10 adults of Podagrica spp. in the laboratory. It was observed that the concentration of 200 – 300g performed better for both plant materials in the control of okra flea beetle. These resulted to the death of above 50% of the insect within 2 hours. These significant laboratory trials were then formulated and taken to the field. Both plant materials acted as anti-feedants and repellants against Podagrica spp. It was also revealed that Z. zanthoxyloides performed significantly (p<0.05) better than the P. biglibosa. Furthermore, short interval applications (<or=3days) of these plant materials could be a good  replacement for synthetic chemicals, hence bio-pesticides that could be adopted for organic agriculture

A furostan saponin isolated from the rhizome of C. spectabilis (Costaceae) exerts cataract ameliorative effect in-vitro

Background & Aim: Extracts from plants, such as C. spectabilis (rhizome) traditionally used for the treatment of cataract may potentially contain anticataract lead compound(s). The current study aimed to isolate the constituent(s) of the extract of C. spectabilis and evaluate its anticataract effect. Experimental: The isolation of the constituent was achieved using silica gel, sephadex column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography of the n-butanol fraction of aqueous ethanol extract of the rhizome, followed by analysis using NMR spectroscopy. The anticataract effect was investigated using H2O2-induced cataract model. Lenses freshly obtained from rats were cultured in the presence or absence of hydrogen peroxide (0.5 mM), and or in the presence of H2O2 (0.5 mM) with any of the three concentrations of compound SL1 (0.5 mgmL-1, 0.25 mgmL-1, or 0.125 mgmL-1 ) over a period of 24 hrs. Lens opacity (index of cataract) was quantified by scoring and image analysis. The lens total protein, antioxidant bio-molecules (GSH, SOD) and lipid peroxidation (MDA level) were determined according to standard methods. Results: Chromatographic fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of a compound characterised as 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (25R)-furost-5-ene-3β, 22α, 26-triol-26-O- β-D-glucopyranoside based on its NMR data. The lenses treated with hydrogen peroxide (only) demonstrated significantly higher indices of opacity compared to the normal or compound treated. The groups treated with the compound (at 0.5 and 0.25 mgmL-1 concentrations) significantly (P≤ 0.001) exhibited lower score of opacity and grey image pixel intensity compared to the untreated group. Although the compound significantly (P≤0.05) prevented the depletion of lens total protein at all concentrations used, the loss of GSH, SOD and increase in MDA levels induced by H2O2 were not prevented significantly. Recommended applications/industries: The compound isolated can serve as a promising lead for the development of anticataract drug

Geochemical assessment of toxic metals stocking in top-soil within the area of limestone quarry in Gombe of North-eastern Nigeria

This work presents an assessment of geochemical toxic metal stocking in top-soil within the area of a limestone quarry in Gombe State. Samples of topsoil from the area of a limestone quarry in Gombe (North-eastern Nigeria) were collected to analyse levels of hazardous substances such as of Hg, Fe, Zn, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Pb. A total of 24 topsoil samples were collected around the radius of 0.5 km from the blasting arena. Additionally, six background samples were also collected from an unexploited reserved area that was ~6 km far from the main sampling location. Two rocks of limestone samples from blasting area were also collected and analysed for heavy metals as a reference. All the samples were processed and extracted with nitrate acid solution and analysed using smart spectrophotometer methods. The results suggested varying organic contents in soil, sand, silt, clay and pH. All these parameters are correlated with those of unexploited samples. Limestone rocks samples displayed a high concentration of Fe and Mn improvement. Toxic metals concentrations (mg/kg) in top-soil with background levels were discovered in Hg, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb. Residual phases exhibited the lowest enrichment for most metals possibly, because of high loamy sand content. The situated enrichment advocates influence from mining activities. The results especially geoaccumulation index assessment exhibit below detected limit to 0.20 mg/kg for Pb which is uncontaminated by Lead when compared with the USA threshold limit of particulate metal concentration. Conversely, the other hazardous metals ranged from 1 to 2, indicating the area is contaminated moderately. The exposure to dust containing high silica in quarry workers leads to deterioration of pulmonary function and hence suggesting a need for protective measures of the quarry workers.Key words: Top-soil, heavy toxic metal, limestone quarry, air pollution

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Causes of Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

The problem of sexual harassment in the higher educational institutions in Nigeria has taken another dimension calling for a quick action. The situation is so bad in some higher educational institutions in Nigeria that a many students and staff have experienced one form of sexual harassment or the other. Sexual harassment has been a challenge in all levels of education especially in the higher educational institutions across Nigeria. This paper examined causes of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Secondary data collected from both print and online publications were used for the paper. The paper concluded that lack of proper sexual harassment policy, poor implementation, academic power, culture of silence, indecent dressing and lack of confidential reporting mechanisms are major causes of persistence sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions

Causes of Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

The problem of sexual harassment in the higher educational institutions in Nigeria has taken another dimension calling for a quick action. The situation is so bad in some higher educational institutions in Nigeria that a many students and staff have experienced one form of sexual harassment or the other. Sexual harassment has been a challenge in all levels of education especially in the higher educational institutions across Nigeria. This paper examined causes of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Secondary data collected from both print and online publications were used for the paper. The paper concluded that lack of proper sexual harassment policy, poor implementation, academic power, culture of silence, indecent dressing and lack of confidential reporting mechanisms are major causes of persistence sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions

Causes of Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

The problem of sexual harassment in the higher educational institutions in Nigeria has taken another dimension calling for a quick action. The situation is so bad in some higher educational institutions in Nigeria that a many students and staff have experienced one form of sexual harassment or the other. Sexual harassment has been a challenge in all levels of education especially in the higher educational institutions across Nigeria. This paper examined causes of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Secondary data collected from both print and online publications were used for the paper. The paper concluded that lack of proper sexual harassment policy, poor implementation, academic power, culture of silence, indecent dressing and lack of confidential reporting mechanisms are major causes of persistence sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions

Causes of Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

The problem of sexual harassment in the higher educational institutions in Nigeria has taken another dimension calling for a quick action. The situation is so bad in some higher educational institutions in Nigeria that a many students and staff have experienced one form of sexual harassment or the other. Sexual harassment has been a challenge in all levels of education especially in the higher educational institutions across Nigeria. This paper examined causes of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Secondary data collected from both print and online publications were used for the paper. The paper concluded that lack of proper sexual harassment policy, poor implementation, academic power, culture of silence, indecent dressing and lack of confidential reporting mechanisms are major causes of persistence sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions