A. A. Ajayi

In-vitro studies on the sensitivity pattern of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs and local herbal extracts

BackgroundThe resistance of human malaria parasites to anti-malarial compounds has become considerable concern, particularly in view of the shortage of novel classes of anti-malarial drugs. One way to prevent resistance is by using new compounds that are not based on existing synthetic antimicrobial agents.ResultsSensitivity of 100 Plasmodium falciparum isolates to chloroquine, quinine, amodiaquine, mefloquine, sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine, artemisinin, Momordica charantia (‘Ejirin’) Diospyros monbuttensis (‘Egun eja’) and Morinda lucida (‘Oruwo’) was determined using the in vitro microtest (Mark III) technique to determine the IC50 of the drugs. All the isolates tested were sensitive to quinine, mefloquine and artesunate. Fifty-one percent of the isolates were resistant to chloroquine, 13% to amodiaquine and 5% to sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine. Highest resistance to chloroquine (68.9%) was recorded among isolates from Yewa zone while highest resistance to amodiaquine (30%) was observed in Ijebu zone. Highest resistance to sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine was recorded in Yewa and Egba zones, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the responses to artemisinin and mefloquine (P<0.05), artemisinin and quinine (P<0.05) and quinine and mefloquine (P<0.05). A negative correlation was observed between the responses to chloroquine and mefloquine (P>0.05). Highest anti-plasmodial activity was obtained with the ethanolic extract of D. monbuttensis (IC50 = 3.2nM) while the lowest was obtained from M. lucida (IC50 =25nM).ConclusionsNatural products isolated from plants used in traditional medicine, which have potent anti-plasmodial action in vitro, represent potential sources of new anti-malarial drugs.

Data on the no-load performance analysis of a tomato postharvest storage system

In this present investigation, an original and detailed empirical data on the transfer of heat in a tomato postharvest storage system was presented. No-load tests were performed for a period of 96 h. The heat distribution at different locations, namely the top, middle and bottom of the system was acquired, at a time interval of 30 min for the test period. The humidity inside the system was taken into consideration. Thus, No-load tests with or without introduction of humidity were carried out and data showing the effect of a rise in humidity level, on temperature distribution were acquired. The temperatures at the external mechanical cooling components were acquired and could be used for showing the performance analysis of the storage system.

Data set on Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and Microscopy for Diagnosing Plasmodium falciparum And Plasmodium vivax

The World Heal Organization (WHO) has identified malaria diagnosis as being pivotal to eradicating the disease by 2030 as stipulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The data presented here was obtained from outpatients of a hospital in the South Western Region of Nigeria from November 2016 to May 2017. The data contains malaria incidence amongst asymptomatic and symptomatic outpatients in the period under review. Malaria incidence was obtained using two diagnostic test kits, Bioline SD (HRP-2) and ACON (HRP-2/Aldolase) alongside Microscopy as gold standard. Specificity, Sensitivity and Kappa statistic of each test device is presented in the tables herewith. Data presented here could be used alongside other data sources to assess the state of malaria diagnostics.

Studies on Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Pimples

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pimples (acne) are small skin lesions or inflammations of the skin. The most common factor causing acne is the hormonal changes that occur during adolescent and teenage years. Antibiotics are becoming less effective in the treatment of pimples due to increasing concerns of antibiotic resistance. This study was therefore carried out to characterize the isolates from the pimples of Covenant University Students and to determine their antibiotics sensitivity pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 20 swab samples were obtained from male and female students with obvious signs of pimples in Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The samples obtained were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar and incubated at 37°C. Pure isolates obtained were subjected to Gram staining and other biochemical tests for identification. The isolates were further subjected to antibiotics sensitivity tests using antibiotic dics. RESULTS Macroscopic examination indicated that the organisms were convex, smooth and shiny. Microscopic examination revealed that the isolates were positive after employing the Gram Staining technique and they appeared as grape-like clusters. Biochemical tests revealed that the isolates were Coagulase positive, Catalase positive, Urease positive, Citrate positive, Methyl-Red positive, Voges-Proskauer negative and negative upon starch hydrolysis. The sugar fermentation tests revealed that the isolates fermented Glucose, Maltose, Galactose, Sucrose and Lactose, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility test showed that isolates were resistant to Cotrimazole, Cloxacillin, Erythromycin, Gentamycin, Augmentin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline and Chloramphenicol. CONCLUSION The results therefore indicated that the isolates were Staphylococcus aureus and other staphylococci species. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics should be avoided to prevent the development of resistant strains of the Staphylococci genera and other pathogenic organisms.

Antimicrobial and Thermal Properties of Coating Systems Modified with ZnO Nanoparticle and its Hybrid Forms: (A Review)

This review examines the unparalleled chemical and physical properties of ZnO nanoparticles and its hybrid forms. The influence of these multifunctional materials within the polymeric matrix of organic coatings was discussed. The scanning electron microscope is seen to provide relevant information about the dispersion of the hybrid and composite coating systems. This review provides concise information about the antimicrobial and thermal stability of composites.

In vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Crude Ethanolic and N-hexane Extracts of Moringa oleifera Leaves

This study was carried out to determine the antiplasmodial activity of leaves of Moringa oleifera. Cold extraction method was carried out on grindedleaves to prepare the crude ethanolic and n-hexane extracts. Mice models (Mus musculus) were passaged with chloroquine resistant Plasmodium berghei,which are similar in morphology, physiology and life cycle to P. falciparumthat infect humans. Stock solutions of 5mg/mL5% DMSO were prepared and the extracts wereadministered atdifferent treatment concentrations, 50mg/kg, 100mg/kgand 200mg/kg body weight over 4days. Positive and negative control groups, Chloroquine diphosphate (25mg/kg) and 5% DMSO,respectively were set up. Crude ethanolic and n-hexane extracts of M. oleiferashowed anti-plasmodial activity at the three different concentrations used. Both crude ethanolic and n-hexane extracts of M. oleiferaleaves showed a significant inhibition of parasitaemia (p < 0.05) ranging from 74.7 to 95.6% for ethanolic extract and 59.3 to 87.9% for n-hexane extract. EC50value of crude ethanolic and n-hexane extractswere 32mg/kg and 42mg/kg body weight,respectively. M.oleifera showed potential for possible future use as an alternative to some conventional drugs.© 2016 Friends Science Publishers