Possible antimicrobial activity of Morinda lucida stem bark, leaf and root extracts

Inhibitory activities of both aqueous and methanolic extracts of the root, stem bark, and leaf of Morinda lucida on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, and Salmonella typhorium was investigated in vitro. In vitro experiment was carried out using the agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods with Gram-negative enterobacteria. M. lucida extracts were more active against all the tested bacteria than the standard antibiotics, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin even at the same concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/ml. The results of this study show that the extracts of M. lucida has the potentials of inhibiting the growth of E. coli and Salmonella species, thereby suggesting its potency in the treatment of infections in which E. coli and Salmonella species are implicated.Keywords: Gram-negative, inhibitory activity, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, enterobacteria, infections, antibioticsAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 13(3), pp. 471-475, 15 January, 201

Governance of corporate social responsibility and return on assets in the South African mining firms

Governance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains a permanent subject in the sustainability development debates despite its long history. This article examines issues of governance by establishing the relationship between CSR and return on assets (ROA) of Johannesburg Security Exchange (JSE) listed mining firms. The purpose of focusing on mining firms is necessitated by the need to address socioeconomic ills which are phenomenal within the South Africa’s mining communities. Hence, the objective of this article is to investigate the interactions in the CSR, based on employees and black suppliers. The secondary data on CSR and ROA for the years 2010–2014 were collected from the integrated reports of purposively sampled 10 mining firms listed on JSE (SRI) Index. The case study research strategy was adopted from which data was collected and gathered using content analysis. The CSR aggregates such as Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) procurement and skill and training expenditure are used as independent variables while ROA is used as a dependent variable. The multiple regression statistics are used to test the relationship, which is the manifestation of the underlying governance. The findings reveal that CSR has a negative impact on ROA. However, after the incorporation of the number of employees as a control variable, the results show that there is a positive relationship between CSR and ROA. In this way, the study confirms that tenets of good corporate governance are satisfied in the relationship of CSR and ROA in the selected mining firms, notwithstanding the continued poverty among mining communities

Antimicrobial Activity of Cu, Ni Carboxylates of Castor ( Ricinus communis ) Seed Oil and Their Calcinated Derivatives

Copper and nickel carboxylates of castor seed oil were prepared by metathesis in aqueous ethanol.The FTIR spectra of the carboxylates are characterized by two asymmetric vibrations of the carboxylate group and two symmetric vibrations.For Cu carboxylate,the values are 1594 &1532cm-1 and 1458 & 1409cm-1while those of Ni carboxylate were observed at 1561 & 1513cm-1 and 1469 & 1412cm-1 respectively indicating that the carboxylates existed as bridging bidentate structure and confirmed their formation. The carboxylates were calcinated in muffle furnace at 400oC to obtain blackish derivatives. Antimicrobial activities of the carboxylates and their calcinated derivatives were assayed using modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method against two groups of medically implicated bacterial species, viz: Gram positive organisms ( Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis ,) and Gram negative organisms ( Pseudomonas fluorescence , Salmonella thypii , Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis ). It was observed that the antimicrobial potencies of the carboxylates and their derivatives compared favourably with the standard antibiotics used for the assay. However, calcinated derivative of Ni carboxylate showed a quite significant increase in the antimicrobial potency against both gram negative andgram positive microorganisms when compared with its carboxylate

Acceptability of HIV self-sampling kits (TINY vial) among people of black African ethnicity in the UK: a qualitative study

Background: Increasing routine HIV testing among key populations is a public health imperative, so improving access to acceptable testing options for those in need is a priority. Despite increasing targeted distribution and uptake of HIV self-sampling kits (SSKs) among men who have sex with men in the UK, little is known about why targeted SSK interventions for black African users are not as wide-spread or well-used. This paper addresses this key gap, offering insight into why some groups may be less likely than others to adopt certain types of SSK interventions in particular contexts. These data were collected during the development phase of a larger study to explore the feasibility and acceptability of targeted distribution of SSKs to black African people. Methods: We undertook 6 focus groups with members of the public who self-identified as black African (n = 48), 6 groups with specialists providing HIV and social services to black African people (n = 53), and interviews with HIV specialist consultants and policy-makers (n = 9). Framework analysis was undertaken, using inductive and deductive analysis to develop and check themes. Results: We found three valuable components of targeted SSK interventions for this population: the use of settings and technologies that increase choice and autonomy; targeted offers of HIV testing that preserve privacy and do not exacerbate HIV stigma; and ensuring that the specific kit being used (in this case, the TINY vial) is perceived as simple and reliable. Conclusions: This unique and rigorous research offers insights into participants’ views on SSK interventions, offering key considerations when targeting this population.. Given the plethora of HIV testing options, our work demonstrates that those commissioning and delivering SSK interventions will need to clarify (for users and providers) how each kit type and intervention design adds value. Most significantly, these findings demonstrate that without a strong locus of control over their own circumstances and personal information, black African people are less likely to feel that they can pursue an HIV test that is safe and secure. Thus, where profound social inequalities persist, so will inequalities in HIV testing uptake – by any means

Review of effectiveness and cost effectiveness: Increasing the uptake of HIV testing to reduce undiagnosed infection and prevent transmission among black African communities living in England

Globally, the HIV epidemic continues to have an impact on the lives of millions of people. In 2008, there were an estimated 83,000 people living with HIV (both diagnosed and undiagnosed), equivalent to 1.3 per 1000 population in the UK. In that same year, 7,798 people were newly diagnosed with HIV. The global epidemic is reflected in the UK; around 38% (2,790) of these newly diagnosed infections were among black Africans who acquired their HIV through heterosexual contact. It is thought that most (87%) of these infections among black Africans in the UK were acquired abroad, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa Health Protection Agency 2009). Late diagnosis of HIV is defined as diagnosis taking place after anti-retroviral treatment would normally have begun, or when the person has an illness which defines them as having AIDS. It is the most important factor associated with HIVrelated disease and death in the UK and is a particular problem among black Africans. In 2007, over 40% of new diagnoses among black Africans were classified as ‘late’. HIV testing can help reduce transmission of the virus. People who find out they have HIV may change their sexual behaviour as a result of the diagnosis. A negative HIV test provides an opportunity for preventive education and advice and may also lead to changes in behaviour. Increasing the frequency of testing may result in earlier detection of HIV following infection - when it is most virulent - providing greater opportunity to reduce transmission

Empowerment of women in Nigeria’s small-scale fisheries: a tool to sustainability

In Nigeria, women play major roles of at least 75% in the fisheries and aquaculture value- chains from production, processing, storage, marketing and trade. Unlike the men, women have not received commensurate levels of attention and empowerment largely because their roles are perceived as ‘invisible’, poorly evaluated and undocumented without substantial sex-disaggregated data as proof. For these reasons above and in furtherance of identifying key areas in which empowerment needs to be strengthened thus closing the gender gap, this study was undertaken to contribute to information on the nature and empowerment of women and the factors influencing their participation in the small-scale fisheries. The study also aimed at determining relationship between the extent of the women’s empowerment and some selected determinants using a cumulative empowerment index (CEI). A mix of transdisciplinary, quantitative and qualitative methods was used for this study in Ikosi in Agbowa and Igboolomi fishing communities of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Areas of Lagos State respectively. Ten indicators of empowerment : contribution to household income, decision making ability, spending ability, ownership of assets, access to resources, membership in economic or social groups, time allocated to household, productive tasks and leisure activities, coping capacity to household shocks and political awareness were chosen for this purpose. Results obtained in this study showed that women are still very low in the CEI and it is hoped that this will pave way for a strategic framework for including gender –responsiveness in policies and developmental planning

Migrant Health: Sexual transmission of HIV within migrant groups in the EU/EEA and implications for effective interventions

This report presents the published evidence of sexual transmission of HIV among populations from countries with generalised HIV epidemics in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA). Member states’ surveillance systems for monitoring the sexual transmission of HIV in the EU/EEA among migrant populations are also profiled. The implications of this evidence are summarised and recommendations provided for those Member States that wish to improve their surveillance systems in order to assess the sexual transmission of HIV in their at-risk migrant populations. The evidence can also be used as a basis for policy and programmatic activities targeted toward migrant populations

Community-based prevention leads to an increase in condom use and a reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW): the Frontiers Prevention Project (FPP) evaluation results

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>India has an estimated 2.0 million to 3.1 million people living with HIV; it has the highest number of HIV-positive people in Asia and ranks third in the world. The Frontiers Prevention Project (FPP) was implemented in 2002 to conduct targeted prevention intervention geared towards female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP). This paper reports the overall changes in behaviour and STI outcomes between 2003/4 and 2007 and also describes the changes attributed to the FPP.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The evaluation used two cross-sectional surveys among MSM and FSW at 24 sites in AP. Surveys were implemented using a similar methodology. Univariate analyses were conducted by comparing means: baseline vs. four-year follow-up and FPP vs. non-FPP. For both MSM and FSW, random and fixed-effects logit regression models at the site level were estimated for <it>condom use with last partner</it>, <it>syphilis sero-positivity </it>and <it>HSV 2 sero-positivity</it>. In addition, for FSW we estimated models for <it>condom use with regular partner</it>, and for MSM we estimated models for <it>condom use with last female partner</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among MSM, fixed-effects analysis revealed that FPP was positively correlated with the probability of <it>condom use with last female sexual partner </it>and negatively correlated with the individual probability of <it>sero-positivity to syphilis and HSV 2</it>. Among FSW, the FPP intervention was significantly correlated with increased <it>condom use with regular partners </it>and with lower probability of <it>STI sero-positivity</it>.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Important changes in behaviours related to an increase in prevention activities translated to reductions in STI sero-prevalence in AP, India. In contrast with non-FPP sites, the FPP sites experienced an intense community approach as part of the FPP intervention, and the general increase in condom use and its effect on STI sero-prevalence reflected the efficacy of these intense prevention activities focused on key populations in AP.</p

Guidelines for the establishment and functioning of Animal Ethics Commitees (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees) in Africa.

Animals are used for scientific purposes across Africa to benefit humans, animals or the environment. Nonetheless, ethical and regulatory oversight remains limited in many parts of the continent. To strengthen this governance framework, the Pan-African Network for Laboratory Animal Science and Ethics brought together experts from 12 African countries to create an Africa-centric practical guide to facilitate the establishment and appropriate functioning of Institutional Animal Ethics Committees across Africa. The Guidelines are based on universal principles for the care and use of sentient animals for scientific purposes, with consideration of the cultural, religious, political and socio-economic diversity in Africa. They focus on 11 key elements, including responsibilities of institutions and of the Institutional Official; composition of the Committee; its responsibilities, functioning and authority; ethical application and review processes; oversight and monitoring of animal care and use and of training and competence; quality assurance; and the roles of other responsible parties. The intent is for African institutions to adopt and adapt the guidelines, aligning with existing national legislation and standards where relevant, thus ensuring incorporation into practice. More broadly, the Guidelines form an essential component of the growing discourse in Africa regarding moral considerations of, and appropriate standards for, the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. The increased establishment of appropriately functioning animal ethics committees and robust ethical review procedures across Africa will enhance research quality and culture, strengthen societal awareness of animals as sentient beings, improve animal well-being, bolster standards of animal care and use, and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development

Building leaders for the UN Ocean Science Decade : a guide to supporting early career women researchers within academic marine research institutions

Diverse and inclusive marine research is paramount to addressing ocean sustainability challenges in the 21st century, as envisioned by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Despite increasing efforts to diversify ocean science, women continue to face barriers at various stages of their career, which inhibits their progression to leadership within academic institutions. In this perspective, we draw on the collective experiences of thirty-four global women leaders, bolstered by a narrative review, to identify practical strategies and actions that will help empower early career women researchers to become the leaders of tomorrow. We propose five strategies: (i) create a more inclusive culture, (ii) ensure early and equitable career development opportunities for women ECRs, (iii) ensure equitable access to funding for women ECRs, (iv) offer mentoring opportunities and, (v) create flexible, family-friendly environments. Transformational, meaningful, and lasting change will only be achieved through commitment and collaborative action across various scales and by multiple stakeholders.Peer reviewe