Biofilm forming Enterococci and their Status as Emerging Multidrug Resistant Bacteria

Urine specimens were collected aseptically and inoculated directly onto CLED and MacConkey agar medium and incubated overnight. Single target colonies were sub cultured, and identification was based on culture, morphology, and biochemical characteristics. Enterococci isolates were subjected to biofilm assay (Tube method), and resistance pattern was determined for both biofilm-formers and non-biofilm-formers. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Bioneer kit, and the gene for virulence was detected by PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. 148 Patients having one or more urinary symptoms were the study population. The aim of the study was to determine the multidrug resistant ability of biofilm-forming Enterococci. A number of growths were encountered; Enterococci accounted for only 9.46% (14), the highest prevalence was seen in the age group 21-30 (35.71%), and females (64.29%) were more prone to enterococcal infection than their males (35.71) counterpart. There is a relationship between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance because multidrug resistant Enterococci isolate produced bands against esp gene with an average of 510kbp. Biofilm forming strains showed the highest resistance to gentamicin and penicillin (83.3%), and vancomycin can be considered a good alternative therapy in enterococcal UTIs because of its lower resistance (75%)

Antibacterial Activity of Vitellaria Paradoxa Seed Oil Extract and Honey Against Bacterial Isolates from Wound Infection

The use of herbal medicines in Nigeria reveals a long evidence of human interactions with the nature. The medicinal important of herbal plants lies in some chemical compounds that produce a specific chemical action on the human body. These bioactive compounds of plants of medical importance include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. research has been focused on herbal and aromatherapy product. However, a number of their product such as honey has shown therapeutic promises The presence of honey in various inhibitions has been reported by several investigators. Honey was used to treat infected wound as long as 2000 years ago before bacterial were discovered to be the cause of infection.  This research paper assesses the Antibacterial Activity of Vitellaria paradoxa seed oil extract and Honey value by determining their phytochemical and antimicrobial status against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia.  Soxhlet apparatus was used for the extraction of the seed oil using Ethanol as the extraction solvent. phytochemical analysis of the extracts was also carryout. Agar well diffusion was used for the antimicrobial activity and broth dilution was used for MIC. The phytochemical results show the presents Saponins, Tannins, Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Resins, Phenol steroid and the absence of Flavonoid in both plant extract and Honey. The antibacterial result showed clear inhibition in both the sample of oil extracted using the soxhlet apparatus and the honey.

Scenario-Based LULC Dynamics Projection Using the CA–Markov Model on Upper Awash Basin (UAB), Ethiopia

Understanding the spatiotemporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) in the watershed is crucial for maintaining the sustainability of land resources. This study intents to understand the historical (1972–2015) and future (2030–2060) spatiotemporal distribution of LULC changes in the Upper Awash Basin (UAB). The supervised Maximum Likelihood Classifier technique (MLC) was implemented for historical LULC classification. The Cellular Automata-Markov (CA–Markov) model was employed to project two scenarios of LULC, ‘business-as-usual’ (BAU) and ‘governance’ (Gov). Results from the historical LULC of the study area show that urban and cropland areas increased from 52.53 km2 (0.45%) to 354.14 km2 (3.01%) and 6040.75 km2 (51.25%) to 8472.45 km2 (71.97%), respectively. Whereas grassland, shrubland, and water bodies shrunk from 2052.08 km2 (17.41%) to 447.63 km2 (3.80%), 2462.99 km2 (20.89%) to 1399.49 km2 (11.89%) and 204.87 km2 (1.74%) to 152.44 km2 (1.29%), respectively, from 1972 to 2015. The historical LULC results indicated that the forest area was highly vulnerable and occupied by urban and cropland areas. The projected LULC under the BAU scenario shows substantial cropland and urban area expansion, increasing from 8472.45 km2 (71.97%) in 2015 to 9159.21 km2 (77.71%) in 2060 and 354.14 km2 (3.1%) in 2015, 1196.78 km2 (10.15%) in 2060, respectively, at the expense of vegetation cover. These results provide insight intothe LULC changes in the area, thus requiring urgent attention by watershed managers, policymakers, and stakeholders to provide sustainable practices for the UAB. Meanwhile, the Gov scenario indicates an increase in vegetable covers and a decrease in cropland, encouraging sustainable development compared to the BAU scenario

Numerical Investigation of Flow Structure and Turbulence Characteristic around a Spur Dike Using Large-Eddy Simulation

Spur dikes provide significant control for flow regimes in river regulation engineering, which can help in the regeneration of stream habitats. However, the narrowing of the flow by spur dike changes the turbulence characteristics. To clarify the turbulence characteristics around the spur dike, the method of large eddy simulation (LES) was used to investigate the horizontal turbulence structure around spur dikes with different discharges in an open-channel flume. The simulations were an exact reproduction of large-scale laboratory experiments, which showed agreement with the experimental results. The distributions of time-averaged streamwise velocity, bed shear stress, and second-order turbulence statistics obtained from the LES were analyzed. An examination of the time series of velocity fluctuation as the probability density function, quadrant analysis, the power density spectra, flow instability, and the vortex separation created in the detached shear layer were estimated. The results accurately revealed the flow field under flow separation, the turbulence statistics inside the separated shear layer, and the vortex structure and emphasized the variation in the different water depths. The results demonstrated that the form of turbulence was not significantly affected by discharge. Moreover, vortex and energy transmission displayed the same periodicity, despite variances in the structural form of turbulence at different water depths. Overall, the results of the study provide an efficient basis for understanding the turbulence around spur dikes, which is crucial for their safe design

Numerical Investigation of Flow Structure and Turbulence Characteristic around a Spur Dike Using Large-Eddy Simulation

Spur dikes provide significant control for flow regimes in river regulation engineering, which can help in the regeneration of stream habitats. However, the narrowing of the flow by spur dike changes the turbulence characteristics. To clarify the turbulence characteristics around the spur dike, the method of large eddy simulation (LES) was used to investigate the horizontal turbulence structure around spur dikes with different discharges in an open-channel flume. The simulations were an exact reproduction of large-scale laboratory experiments, which showed agreement with the experimental results. The distributions of time-averaged streamwise velocity, bed shear stress, and second-order turbulence statistics obtained from the LES were analyzed. An examination of the time series of velocity fluctuation as the probability density function, quadrant analysis, the power density spectra, flow instability, and the vortex separation created in the detached shear layer were estimated. The results accurately revealed the flow field under flow separation, the turbulence statistics inside the separated shear layer, and the vortex structure and emphasized the variation in the different water depths. The results demonstrated that the form of turbulence was not significantly affected by discharge. Moreover, vortex and energy transmission displayed the same periodicity, despite variances in the structural form of turbulence at different water depths. Overall, the results of the study provide an efficient basis for understanding the turbulence around spur dikes, which is crucial for their safe design

Influence of physico-chemical parameters on the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in Makwaye and Kubanni Reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the influence of physico-chemical characteristics on diversity of the intermediate host of schistosomes in Makwaye and Kubanni reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Physico-chemical characteristics and diversity of the intermediate host of schistosomes in Makwaye and Kubanni reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria, were investigated for a 12-month period (January to December, 2014). Physico-chemical properties were analyzed according to the standard procedures for examination of water and waste waters. The molluscs were collected using an Ekman grab model number 923, measuring 19 cm by 14 cm with an area of 0.0266 m2. PAST software was used to run Principal Component Analysis, Shanon-Weiner diversity index and Cluster analysis. Results: A total of 978 Bulinus globosus and 3612 Biomphalaria pfefferi were recorded in Makwaye reservoir with high abundance in dry season while a total of 163 B. globosus and 602 B. pfefferi was recorded in Kubanni reservoir with higher abundance in wet season. Shanon-Weiner diversity index of Makwaye reservoir also ranged from 2.01-2.22 and 1.16-1.31 in Kubanni reservoir. Significant variations (P≤0.05) were observed in physicochemical parameters, schistosomes intermediate host abundance with seasons. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed significant influence (P≤0.05) of physicochemical properties on schistosome intermediate host composition, with BOD, DO, pH and Calcium significantly influencing the presence of B. globosus and B. pfefferi in both reservoirs. Conclusion: It is concluded that the presence of these molluscs in the study areas may constitute a predisposing factor to schistosomiasis and therefore, various management strategies and recommend preventive measures to people coming in contact with these two reservoirs. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2017; 4(4.000): 363-370

Drug Therapy Problem: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Hypertensive Patient

Drug therapy problem is an event involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with the desired health outcomes. This study aimed to identify drug therapy problems encountered by hypertensive patients receiving care in BUK Clinic, Nigeria. It was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of adult hypertensive patients. A total of 206 patient folders were used for the study. The data were collected from the patient’s medical records using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) Classification tool Version 9.1 (PCNE, 2020). Data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The total number of drug therapy problem found was 314 of which majority was effect of drug treatment not optimal [P1.2] 155(49.4%) followed by adverse drug event [P1.3] 155(49.0%) and no effect of drug therapy despite correct use [P1.1] 5(1.6%) was the least type of drug therapy problem encountered. The major cause of drug therapy problem was inappropriate drug according to guidelines/formulary and inappropriate combination of drugs (C1.1 & C1.3) which account for 80(26.4%) of drug related problem. Prevalence of drug therapy problem was high (85.9%). Number of Antihypertensives on (P=0.022) and age(P=0.025) were significantly associated with increased drug therapy problem. Increased drug therapy problem can lead to increase in complications, increased hospital stays, emergency hospitalization and increased medical cost

Antibiotic resistance and the COVID‐19 pandemic: A dual crisis with complex challenges in LMICs

Abstract Background and Aims Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis of mounting urgency, has been further complicated by the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. The intricate relationship between these two phenomena is especially pronounced in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) due to the distinct obstacles encountered by their healthcare systems and policy structures. This study aims to explore the complex challenges arising from the coexistence of these two crises in LMICs and proffer specific recommendations for holistic management. Methods An exhaustive bibliographic survey was executed, employing search queries in specialized databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science's SCI‐EXPANDED index. The timeframe for the literature search extended from January 2020 to January 2023. The search strategy employed key terms including antibiotic resistance, AMR, COVID‐19 pandemic, low‐ and middle‐income countries, SARS‐CoV‐2, and LMICs. Results The pandemic has aggravated various drivers of AMR in LMICs, including limited capabilities, weak frameworks, and socioeconomic factors. New challenges have emerged, such as disruptions in the antibiotic supply chain and an increased risk of healthcare‐associated infections. The interaction between these drivers presents a complex problem that demands a coordinated response. Specific recommendations include strengthening health systems, funding research and innovation, and enhancing infection prevention control measures. Conclusion The coexistence of AMR and the COVID‐19 pandemic in LMICs demands an integrated approach involving multiple stakeholders. Emphasis must be placed on constructing aligned regulatory frameworks, nurturing regional collaborations, and focusing on accessible therapeutic options. The study underscores the necessity for actionable strategies to achieve sustainable access to clean water and sanitation and also highlights the importance of long‐term planning, funding, and specialized expertise in emerging modalities like phage therapy