Characterization of microemulsions formulated from naturally and chemically extracted oils from Cocos nucifera Linne

Background: Oil derived from Cocos nucifera Linne (CNL) has been used in formulating creams; however, its use in formulation of microemulsion is not well documented in literature.Objective: Oils obtained from CNL were characterized, used in the formulation of microemulsions and were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties in comparison with Castor oil BP (CO) and commercially available coconut oil (CACO).Methodology: Oil from CNL was extracted by maceration in hot – water and petroleum ether to yield naturally extracted oil (NEO) and chemically extracted oil (CEO) respectively. The NEO and CEO were used in formulating microemulsions containing pre-determined ratios (3:7, 1:1, 9:1) of oil to surfactant mix (Smix) [containing polyethylene glycol: Tween 80® at ratio 2:1] Characterization of NEO, CEO and microemulsions were carried out using elemental constituents, rheology, physico-and phyto-chemical analysis, thermal stability and antimicrobial profiles as parameters. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA at p<0.05Results: The NEO and CEO contained antraquinones and terpenoids, but were devoid of lead, copper, zinc, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids. Viscosity profiles were in the order CO>CEO>CACO>NEO. The microemulsions were in the size range 54.24±0.26-89.08±0.07 μm. Microemulsions of oil:Smix (3:7) were the most stable. Inhibition ranking was Candida sp.D25 (CEO:Smix>CACO: Smix>NEO: Smix>NEO>CO>CEO), Candida sp.D33 (CEO = CO>CACO: Smix=NEO>CEO:Smix=NEO:Smix), Staphylococcus sp.DS2 (NEO>CO>CACO:Smix>NEO: Smix>CEO: Smix=CEO) and Pseudomonas sp.DP8 (NEO:Smix>CO>CACO:Smix>CEO:Smix=NEO > CEO).Conclusion: Oil derived from CNL has good potentials as an excipient in the formulation of microemulsions and the method of oil extraction had a significant effect on the antimicrobial activities and on the microemulsions formulated using the oils. Keywords: Coconut oil, extraction method, castor oil, microemulsions, antimicrobial properties

Global challenges in health: effect of westernization on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a common non communicable disease which appears to be assuming epidemic proportions worldwide with 382 million people affected worldwide. Current estimates describe Nigeria as having about 4 million affected people a large proportion of which are undiagnosed. The factors driving the diabetes epidemic worldwide include obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol intake all of which are associated with globalization/ westernization. The role of these factors in Nigeria and the possible measures to reduce the trend in the country are highlighted in this review. Simple inexpensive lifestyle measures have been outlined to curb the looming diabetes epidemic in the country.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, prevalence, challenges, westernization, Nigeri

Use of stool culture as a non invasive method for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori from stool of diarrhoeic children in western Nigeria

Background: Helicobacter pylori has been associated with chronic diarrhoea, iron deficiency anaemia, growth retardation, gastric malignancies, peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis among children. Diagnosis of this infection has been invasive using biopsies while stool culture is not common or routinely practiced. This study was designed to detect and isolate H.pylori from stool of diarrhoeic children and highlight possible use of such for routine laboratory diagnosis of H.pylori infections.Material and methods: Two hundred and sixty faecal samples obtained from diarrhoeic children were screened for H. pylori antigen, using H. pylori stool antigen test kit (HpSA) and cultured on modified DENTS medium. Cholestyramine and nitrobluetetrazolium salt were added to the stool and the medium respectively to aid isolation of H. pylori. Correlation of BMI and H. pylori infection of the children was also evaluated.Results: Twenty-six (10%) samples showed growth on culture while 91 (35%) tested positive for H. pylori antigen. Of the 26 children with positive culture, 16 had a low BMI. HpSA has sensitivity and specificity of 11.5% and 62.4%. There was a significant association (χ2 = 12.86, df=2, P-value = 0.004) between age group of participants and use of HpSA kit.Conclusion: Stool culture for recovery of H. pylori is feasible in our environment and diarrhoeic children should be screened for H. pylori using both HpSA and culture. H. pylori is suggested to be screened routinely especially among children having diarrhoea and are underweight. Albeit, other causes should be eliminated before concluding on the reason for the underweight.Keywords:  Helicobacter pylori, stool culture, HpSA, BMI, Cholestyramine, Nitrobluetetrazolium sal

Comparison of glycaemic indices of some local beans (Vigna unguiculata [Linn] Walp varieties) in Nigerians

Background: Beans are recommended for their richness and for their salutary effect  on blood glucose. Inter-species differences impact on blood glucose. What appeared unknown is whether varieties of beans of the same species (Vigna unguiculata [Linn] Walp) have differential effects on blood glucose when equal amounts are consumed.Objective: To perform proximate analysis and compare the glycaemic indices on  consumption of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp species.Setting and subjects: This was an experimental study and subjects consisted of 12 healthy consenting participants at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Lagos, Nigeria.Outcome measure: Fibre contents and the glycaemic indices of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp varieties ‘oloyin’, ‘drum’ and ‘Sokoto’ white.Results: The mean (±SD) crude fibre content of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp varieties ‘oloyin’, ‘drum’ and ‘Sokoto white’ are 2.75% (± 0.00), 2.64% (± 0.14) and 2.94% (± 0.17) respectively. The median (95% CI) glycaemic index (GI) of Vigna unguiculata (Linn) Walp variety ‘oloyin’ was 12.10% (6.0–16.31), variety ‘drum’ 17.64% (9.22–48.93) and variety ‘Sokoto white’ 12.04% (5.54–28.94) respectively. The GI of the bean meals differed significantly (Friedman’s test, χ2 (2) = 6.500, p = 0.039).Conclusion: The fibre content of intra-species beans, together with their GI, differs. ‘Drum’ bean meal has the lowest fibre content and highest glycaemic response.  ‘Oloyin’ and ‘Sokoto white’ bean meals are recommended for persons with DM as some beans are more diabetic friendly than others.Keywords: beans (Vigna unguiculata [Linn] Walp), diabetes mellitus, fibre, glycaemic index, Nigeria

Powder properties of binary mixtures of chloroquine phosphate with lactose and dicalcium phosphate

A study was conducted on the packing and cohesive properties of chloroquine phosphate in binary mixtures with lactose and dicalcium phosphate powders. The maximum volume reduction due to packing as expressed by the Kawakita constant, a, and the angle of internal flow, &#952;, were the assessment parameters. The individual powders were characterized for their particle size and shape using an optical microscope. Binary mixtures of various proportions of chloroquine phosphate with lactose and dicalcium phosphate powders were prepared. The bulk and tapped densities, angles of repose and internal flow, as well as compressibility index of the materials were determined using appropriate parameters. The calculated and determined values of maximum volume reduction for the binary mixtures were found to differ significantly (PRealizou-se estudo das propriedades de empacotamento e de coesão do fosfato de cloroquina em misturas binárias com lactose e fosfato dicálcico em pó. O volume máximo de redução devido ao empacotamento, segundo expresso pela constante de Kawakita, a, e o ângulo de fluxo interno, &#952;, foram os parâmetros de avaliação. Os pós individuais foram caracterizados por seu tamanho e forma de partículas, utilizando microscópio óptico. Prepararam-se misturas binárias de várias proporções de fosfato de cloroquine e lactose e fosfato dicálcico em pó. As densidades de bulk and tapped, os ângulos de repouso e de fluxo interno e o índice de compressibilidade dos materiais foram determinados utilizando-se parâmetros apropriados. Os valores calculados e determinados do volume máximo de redução para as misturas binárias mostraram-se significativamente diferentes (P< 0,05), sendo o traçado de Kawakita mais confiável na determinação das propriedades de empacotamento. O tipo de diluente influenciou as propriedades de fluxo das misturas com fosfato dicálcico, dando resultados previsíveis, enquanto as misturas contendo lactose mostraram-se anômalas com relação ao fluxo. A caracterização das propriedades de empacotamento e de coesão das misturas binárias de cloroquina com lactose e fosfato dicálcico seria útil na produção de pós, comprimidos, cápsulas e outros sistemas de liberação de fármacos contendo esses pós com propriedade de fluxo desejada e previsível

Influence of binder type and process parameters on the compression properties and microbial survival in diclofenac tablet formulations

The influence of binder type and process parameters on the compression properties and microbial survival in diclofenac tablet formulations were studied using a novel gum from Albizia zygia. Tablets were produced from diclofenac formulations containing corn starch, lactose and dicalcium phosphate. Formulations were analyzed using the Heckel and Kawakita plots. Determination of microbial viability in the formulations was done on the compressed tablets of both contaminated and uncontaminated tablets prepared from formulations. Direct compression imparted a higher plasticity on the materials than the wet granulation method. Tablets produced by wet granulation presented with a higher crushing strength than those produced by the direct compression method. Significantly higher microbial survival (pA influência do tipo de ligante e os parâmetros do processo de propriedades de compressão e sobrevivência microbiana em comprimidos de diclofenaco foram estudados utilizando uma nova goma de Albizia zygia. Os comprimidos foram produzidos a partir de formulações de diclofenaco contendo amido de milho, lactose e fosfato bicálcico. As formulações foram analisadas usando os gráficos de Heckel e Kawakita. A determinação da viabilidade microbiana nas formulações foi feita nos comprimidos contaminados e não contaminados preparados a partir de formulações. A compressão direta confere maior plasticidade dos materiais do que o método de granulação úmida. Comprimidos produzidos por granulação úmida apresentaram maior força de esmagamento do que aqueles produzidos pelo método de compressão direta. Observou-se sobrevivência significativamente maior (p<0,05) em formulações preparadas por compressão direta. A sobrevivência percentual dos esporos de Bacillus subtilis diminuiu com o aumento da concentração do agregante. O estudo mostrou que a goma de Albizia é capaz de conferir maior plasticidade aos materiais e apresentou maior redução da contaminação microbiana nas formulações. O método de compressão direta produziu comprimidos com viabilidade reduzida de contaminantes microbianos

Layer-by-layer technique to developing functional nanolaminate films with antifungal activity

The layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition method was used to build up alternating layers (five) of different polyelectrolyte solutions (alginate, zein-carvacrol nanocapsules, chitosan and chitosan-carvacrol emulsions) on an aminolysed/charged polyethylene terephthalate (A/C PET) film. These nanolaminated films were characterised by contact angle measurements and through the determination of water vapour (WVTR) and oxygen (O2TR) transmission rates. The effect of active nanolaminated films against the Alternaria sp. and Rhizopus stolonifer was also evaluated. This procedure allowed developing optically transparent nanolaminated films with tuneable water vapour and gas properties and antifungal activity. The water and oxygen transmission rate values for the multilayer films were lower than those previously reported for the neat alginate or chitosan films. The presence of carvacrol and zein nanocapsules significantly decreased the water transmission rate (up to 40 %) of the nanolaminated films. However, the O2TR behaved differently and was only improved (up to 45 %) when carvacrol was encapsulated, i.e. nanolaminated films prepared by alternating alginate with nanocapsules of zein-carvacrol layers showed better oxygen barrier properties than those prepared as an emulsion of chitosan and carvacrol. These films containing zein-carvacrol nanocapsules also showed the highest antifungal activity (30 %), which did not significantly differ from those obtained with the highest amount of carvacrol, probably due to the controlled release of the active agent (carvacrol) from the zein-carvacrol nanocapsules. Thus, this work shows that nanolaminated films prepared with alternating layers of alginate and zein-carvacrol nanocapsules can be considered to improve the shelf-life of foodstuffs.The authors acknowledge financial support from FP7 IP project BECOBIOCAP^. M. J. Fabra is recipients of a Juan de la Cierva contract from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity. Maria L. Flores-López thanks Mexican Science and Technology Council (CONACyT, Mexico) for PhD fellowship support (CONACyT Grant Number 215499/310847). The author Miguel A. Cerqueira is a recipient of a fellowship (SFRH/BPD/72753/2010) supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, POPH-QREN and FSE (FCT, Portugal). The authors also thank the FCT Strategic Project of UID/ BIO/04469/2013 unit, the project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (FCOMP- 01-0124-FEDER-027462) and the project BBioInd - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes,^ REF. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000028 Co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2–O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. The support of EU Cost Action FA0904 is gratefully acknowledged

Growth and substrate utilization patterns of a rhizopus stolonifer strain isolated from depolymerising rice husk

A study was carried out on a new strain of Rhizopus stolonifer RCH7 isolated from a spontaneously-fermentingrice husk sample. Growth characteristics on and utilization profile of various substrates by thisisolate were investigated. The isolate was found to display the most extensive mycelia proliferation at atemperature of 37°C and a pH of 4.0. Divalent ionic additions did not cause an increase in the growth rate, but0.1M potassium ions increased the growth recorded by 34.3% compared to the control by 72 hours. This isolatewas able to effectively utilize Carboxymethylcellulose and Polygalacturonic acid as alternate nutritive substratesdemonstrating a growth of 90mm and 86mm respectively by 72 hours. The dry mycelia mass of R. stoloniferobtained from the cultivation in broth containing lactose was 26mm while that in glucose broth was 24mm. Thegrowth and substrate utilization profile exhibited by this R. stolonifer RCH7 isolate is suggestive of its strongcapacity to employ residues of agricultural wastes as growth substrates. It is also an indication of the isolate’spotential to degrade ‘agricultural waste residues, especially those from rice plant parts’

Thyroid disorders in Africa: Where do we stand?

Thyroid disorders occur in Africa. These disorders present in various ways over many years with presentation associated with iodine&nbsp; status and influences of the environment. This article examined disorders of the thyroid gland in Africa, the epidemiology, progress in iodine nutrition, diagnosis and management of these disorders. We search available literatures using Pubmed, Medline and Googles&nbsp; scholar search engine. The search term was 'Africa' used in various combinations with thyroid gland, iodine deficiency disorders, goitre, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disorders and thyroid cancers. We reviewed available articles on thyroid&nbsp; disorders in Africa continent published until 2017. From the published works reviewed during this period, the commonest thyroid&nbsp; disorder in Africa was iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). This was found to be prevalent in the areas with inadequate iodine intake. Autoimmune thyroid disorders are rare in iodine deficiency but become prevalent with transition to iodine sufficiency. Tremendous improvement has been achieved in iodine nutrition through salt iodination in the African continent. In the African continent, there are no thyroid registry. This has made determination of scope and burden of thyroid disorder in Africa difficult. The challenges of making proper diagnosis is still bane of diagnosis of thyroid disorders in the African continent. There is a strong link between regional iodine status and thyroid disorders in Africa. Most countries in Africa are 80 – 90% iodine sufficient. The use of nuclear modality to diagnose and treat thyroid disorders is highly underutilized. Treatment modalities remain pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention. Key words: Thyroid, Iodine deficiency, Africa, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid malignancy