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In Vitro Study on the Antimicrobial Activity of Curcuma Longa Rhizome on Some Microorganism
Mbah-Omeje,
Kelechi Nkechinyere
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
1-5
Received:
23 November 2018
Accepted:
20 December 2018
Published:
15 February 2019
Abstract: The present study investigates the antimicrobial activity, phytochemical and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Curcuma longa rhizome extract on Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus salivarius. Methanol, and chloroform extracts of the plant rhizome were collected and obtained by standard methods. All the solvent extracts were evaporated to dryness, dry residues were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and tested for antibacterial activity. The plant extract was distinctively applied as antibacterial agent through agar well diffusion method on aseptically prepared nutrient agar. It was determined in the result of this study, thatthe chloroform extract of Curcuma longa rhizome was found to show more activity than the methanol extract on all the isolates. The inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of the chloroform extracts ranged between 7-34mm while ethanol extract ranged between 3-13mm. The MIC varied between 1.56 - 3.125mg/ml and 1.56 -6.25mg/ml for methanol and chloroform extract respectively while Staphylococcus epidermid is showed the least sensitivity of all the isolates The chloroform extracts exhibited higher inhibitory activity on the test organisms than the positive control ciprofloxacin. Phytochemical analyses of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, saponins and flavonoids. According to this study, Curcuma longa rhizome can be used for the treatment of diseases caused by Staphylococcus sppas well as Streptococcus salivarius.
Abstract: The present study investigates the antimicrobial activity, phytochemical and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Curcuma longa rhizome extract on Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus salivarius. Methanol, and chloroform extracts of the plant rhizome were collected and obtained by standard methods. All the solven...
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Variations in Plasma Electrolytes and Thirst Perception During the Menstrual Cycle
Janet Ogochukwu Nzoputam,
Ezeuchu Favour Udochukwu,
Emmanuel Amabebe
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
6-9
Received:
28 December 2018
Accepted:
23 January 2019
Published:
15 February 2019
Abstract: Introduction: Electrolyte-dependent water retention associated with hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle may alter the normal reference intervals of plasma electrolytes with important effects on central nervous system, cardiovascular and renal functions. Hence, we sought to determine and compare plasma electrolytes (sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride and urea) concentrations and thirst perception during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Blood samples obtained from the anti-cubital veins of 40 healthy females (18 – 25 years, 27 - 33 days menstrual cycle) on the 2nd (early follicular/menstrual, n = 10), 8th (late follicular, n = 10), 14th (ovulatory, n = 10) and 22nd (luteal, n = 10) day of the menstrual cycle were analysed for plasma electrolytes concentrations by photoelectric flame photometry. Thirst perception (TP) ratings were also obtained at the time of sample collection using the Visual Analogue Scale. Results: Plasma [Na+] (P = 0.003) and [Cl-] (P = 0.02) were highest during ovulation while the late follicular and luteal phases had the least [Na+] and [Cl-] respectively. Plasma [K+], [HCO3-], and [urea] did not differ significantly in relation to the phase of menstrual cycle. In addition, TP increased in a phase-dependent non-significant manner until after ovulation. Conclusion: Plasma concentrations of sodium and chloride are increased during ovulation. This may be attributed to oestrogen-related salt retention, whereas the lower sodium and chloride concentrations observed in the luteal phase (compared to ovulation especially) could be due to the natriuretic action of progesterone.
Abstract: Introduction: Electrolyte-dependent water retention associated with hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle may alter the normal reference intervals of plasma electrolytes with important effects on central nervous system, cardiovascular and renal functions. Hence, we sought to determine and compare plasma electrolytes (sodium, potassium, bicarb...
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Investigation of Antibacterial Activity of Crude Extracts from Marine Snails and Bivalves in the Southern Coast of Vietnam
Pham Xuan Ky,
Pham Thi Mien,
Le Ho Khanh Hy,
Dao Viet Ha,
Nguyen Phuong Anh,
Doan Thi Thiet,
Phan Bao Vy,
Ho Van The
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
10-15
Received:
12 February 2019
Accepted:
14 March 2019
Published:
10 April 2019
Abstract: The primary antibacterial activity of methanol and chloroform crude extracts from marine snails and bivalves was assessed by using the agar diffusion technique against four bacterial strains. Active methanol extracts were then characterized using TLC, SDS-PAGE and FTIR. Methanol extracts from 5 snail species and 8 extracts from 12 bivalve species possessed the ability to inhibit Bacillus subtilis. Methanol extracts from 3 snail species Tectus conus, Maninella alounia and Trochus maculatus inhibited Escheria coli and those from 4 snail species Cerithium chinatum, Maninella alounia, Tectus pyramis, Trochus maculatus and the bivalve species Pinna bicolor exhibited activity against Serratia marcescens. Chloroform extracts from 7 snail species and those from 7 bivalve species showed inhibition on Bacillus subtilis. Only chloroform extract from the bivalve Chama cf dunkeri was active on Salmonella typhimur and that from the snail Trochus maculatus and bivalve Lopha cristagali inhibited Escheria coli. TLC and FTIR analysis of active methanol extracts showed the presence of amino acids, peptides and proteins. SDS-PAGE of those extracts also revealed proteins with a molecular weight range between 10 and 28 kDa. The obtained results indicate the potential antimicrobial compounds that could be explored in snail and bivalve in Vietnam.
Abstract: The primary antibacterial activity of methanol and chloroform crude extracts from marine snails and bivalves was assessed by using the agar diffusion technique against four bacterial strains. Active methanol extracts were then characterized using TLC, SDS-PAGE and FTIR. Methanol extracts from 5 snail species and 8 extracts from 12 bivalve species p...
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Mansonella perstans and Plasmodium falciparum Co-infection in the Akonolinga Health District, Centre Region, Cameroon
Leopold Gustave Lehman,
Martin Gael Oyono,
Samuel Fosso,
Charles Félix Bilong Bilong
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
16-21
Received:
25 February 2019
Accepted:
28 March 2019
Published:
13 April 2019
Abstract: Mansonella perstans and Plasmodium falciparum are among the most common human parasites in Sub-Saharan Africa. They pass through the bloodstream during their life in human host. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, determinants of co-infection with M. perstans and P. falciparum and their possible interaction mechanism. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Akonolinga Health District among pupils. Each of them was screened for the presence of peripheral blood parasites stages using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. Socio-demographic information was documented using a questionnaire forms. A total of 416 pupils aged 4-15 years (average: 9.17 ± 0.27) were recruited. The overall prevalence was 4.32% and 37.26% for M. perstans and P. falciparum respectively, and prevalence of co-infection was 1.92%. Mean parasite density was 508.7±310.3 (min: 430 - max: 1300) µF/ml for M. perstans and 5240.38±2037.42 (min: 857 – max: 10400) T/μl for P. falciparum. Risks of single infections (aOR = 0.46, P = 0.0264 for M. perstans and aOR = 0.64, P = 0.0432 for P. falciparum) and co-infection (aOR = 0.10, P = 0.0371) were lower for pupils living in urban area than those living in rural area. Parasitemia of both parasite species were similar in single and co-infection situations (P> 0.05). The interaction between these parasites could involve another mechanism than a competition for blood resources. This study outlined that M. perstans and P. falciparum are co-endemic in the Akonolinga health District. In order to guarantee future success in control and eradication of malaria, a bigger attention should be given to M. perstans or other filarial where it is co-endemic with P. falciparum.
Abstract: Mansonella perstans and Plasmodium falciparum are among the most common human parasites in Sub-Saharan Africa. They pass through the bloodstream during their life in human host. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, determinants of co-infection with M. perstans and P. falciparum and their possible interaction mechanism. A cross-sectional ...
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Rational Design and Construction of a Knock-Out Vector for Targeting the Decoy Type 2 Interleukin -1 Receptor
Faith Owabhel Robert,
Emmanuel Amabebe
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2019
Pages:
22-30
Received:
6 January 2019
Accepted:
2 April 2019
Published:
22 April 2019
Abstract: Given the limited data describing the phenotype for type 2 interleukin -1 receptor (Il1r2-/-) in mouse strains and based on the decoy role of the gene product (IL-1R2), we hypothesized that IL-1R2 may have a unique but similar inhibitory role to IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) in vivo. Despite the anti-inflammatory function of IL-1R2, its role in disease in vivo remains unclear. Therefore, we designed and implemented a knock-out construct template for a mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line that can be used to easily make knockout mice. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone of Il1r2 from mouse strain AB2.2 and ES cells from same strain were obtained and a long chain PCR was performed to isolate homologous arms containing homologous segments (8kb and 2kb). Short segments were cloned out for use as probe sequences and a construct with deletion in exon 3 was made so it can be removed in vivo. The NeoR in cloning vector was then flanked with loxP elements. The two homologous arms were successfully amplified with a truncation in exon 3 of the gene and the wild type cloning plasmid (p1049) was serially modified with loxP elements. One of the successfully transformed plasmid DNA was used as the starting material for the ligation of the subsequent loxP-PacI linker. This plasmid (p1049XL) was amplified in E. coli DH5α cells and DNA extracted. The loxP-PacI linker was successfully ligated into the plasmid and transformed clones screened with MspI and compared to the virtual digest of the theoretical plasmid containing the insert and subsequently sequenced. This study has provided the basic ingredients for making an Il1r2-deficient mouse in order to adequately characterize the phenotype. By assembling the complete knock out construct from templates already provided in this study for the knock out in embryonic stem cells, Il1r2-deficient mice could be made.
Abstract: Given the limited data describing the phenotype for type 2 interleukin -1 receptor (Il1r2-/-) in mouse strains and based on the decoy role of the gene product (IL-1R2), we hypothesized that IL-1R2 may have a unique but similar inhibitory role to IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) in vivo. Despite the anti-inflammatory function of IL-1R2, its role in disease...
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