Evaluation Of In Vitro Antioxidant, Phytochemical and Gc-Ms Analysis of Aqueous Extract of Solanum Dasyphyllum Fruits

Phytochemicals, antioxidant and the bioactive compounds present in the fruits of Solanum dasyphullum was investigated. Several phytochemicals such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides were detected. A total of 172 compounds were identified by GC-MS. Phenols, spermine, 2, 5- dimethylfuran and 2-methyl-1-hexadecanol were all identified. These compounds are known to have antioxidant property which may be responsible for the antioxidant property of the fruit extract. It was observed that the fruits extract exhibit antioxidant properties. The scavenging activity increases with the concentration of the extract with the following percentage scavenging activity; 200µg(90%),133µg (78%), 100 µg(69%), 67 µg(48), 33 µg(26.7%), 20 µg(18), 7 µg(7%). Compounds identified in the fruits of Solanum dasyphylum can be isolated and used as an antioxidant. Keywords: Solanum dasyphylum, oxidation, antioxidant and extracts.

Growing Need for Alternative Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy in the Face of Vaccination Uptake Hesitancy in the United States

There has been accelerated effort geared towards the swift creation of COVID-19 vaccines; however, this fast pace poses a negative impact on vaccine acceptance. The current US COVID vaccine hesitancy of 23-33% has a ripple effect and makes it impossible to attain community immunity. The primary aim of this study was to assess the current COVID vaccine hesitancy rates and to argue for the need of more effective strategies to improve its uptake in the US. This paper reviewed quantitative peer-reviewed publications assessing COVID vaccine hesitancy in the US. It was revealed that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was influenced by myriad factors like gender, education, political affiliation, race and location. Transparency and a mix of communication, local partnerships, incentives and arguably legal strategies can be adopted to attenuate US COVID vaccine hesitancy. Lastly, vulnerable demographics (black Americans and conservatives) need targeted COVID vaccine information. Keywords: Covid 19 Vaccines, Herd Immunity, Vaccine Uptake, Hesitancy and Vaccine Education

Mineral Composition, Phytochemicals and Anti-microbial Activity of Coconut Water (Cocos nucieferal) on Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus

The phytochemicals and anti-microbial activity of coconut water on Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus and also its mineral composition were investigated for its medicinal potential. The study revealed the presence of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Ca, Na, K, Mg and Mn. The concentration of the elements in ppm were as follows Pb (0.058), Cu (0.012), Zn (0.202), Cd (0.028), Fe (0.109), Ca (0.368), Na (1.300), K (1.740), Mg (0.947), Mn (0.229). Saponins, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates were the phytochemicals detected. The coconut water was tested against Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using Agar well diffusion method. Inhibitory zone diameter ranges from 13-25 mm. The results showed a concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms. Inhibitory activity exhibited by coconut water against these micro-organisms is an indication of the presence of bioactive compounds which can be identified, isolated and incorporated into modern oral care systems for controlling dental caries. Keywords: Coconut water, phytochemicals, Candida albican, Lactobacillus acidophilus

A Spectrum of MRI Findings in the Knee Joint: A Retrospective Study of Selected Population in South-South Nigeria

The knee is a very important joint and injuries affecting it may cause significant disability and discomfort to the patient. Despite a variety of methods available to assess injuries of the knee joint, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) continues to play a major role. This study evaluated the spectrum of MRI findings in a relatively low resource environment, with limited access to MRI modality. The outcome should justify further investment in MRI services in this locality. The study involves retrospective analysis of MRI reports of 198 clinically symptomatic patients referred for imaging in a Port-Harcourt. All examinations were performed using GE BRIVO MR 235 machine with 0.35 Tesla field strength in a well-coupled standard knee coil. All images were analyzed for normality or otherwise and radiological reports generated by competent radiologists. The most common findings are traumatic in origin, notably cruciate ligament tears (37.37%) and meniscal tears (33.3%) as well as quadriceps tendon tears (3.03%). The medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligaments were more frequently involved. Furthermore, patients in the 3rd and 4th decade of life were more commonly involved, with a male preponderance. The less common findings of Synovial chondromatosis, cyst-like lesions, tumors and loose bodies, all buttress the importance of routine MRI in atraumatic cases. The spectrum of MRI findings in this study is a reflection of growing interest and confidence in MRI of the diseased knee joint in our environment. The outcome would be a justification for future investments in MRI. Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, knee injuries, tibial meniscal tears, incidental findings

Covid-19: The Burden of a Pandemic and Effectiveness of Face Masks in Curtailing Its Spread

The outbreak of Covid-19 presents an unprecedented threat to public health with a devastating effect on the world economy and health system. In March 2020, the government of the United States responded by adopting the use of face masks as one of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in public places. The increase in the spread of coronavirus necessitated the need for researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of face masks as a measure to control the spread of coronavirus. It became of more concern when alternatives to face masks were observed in public places. This article reviewed factors that affect the effectiveness of face masks and the choice of an effective face mask as reported by several studies. The use of appropriate face masks and other measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus should be encouraged at all levels. Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, FACE-MASKS.

Exploratory analysis based on leprosy epidemiological and operational indicators in the city of Governador Valadares/MG/Brazil

Governador Valadares (GV) is a municipality of recognized leprosy hyperendemicity. From 2001 to 2010, the municipal health management invested in a heterogeneous way in the decentralization of control actions to expand access to diagnosis, highlighting the years 2002 and 2004, when training-campaigns took place in the Family’s Health Program. It is an epidemiological study, of a descriptive nature, of a longitudinal type, developed in the city of GV/Minas Gerais/Brazil. The variables collected were: Age group, categorized as <15 years and> 15 years; Gender; Year of notification; Operational classification categorized as paucibacillary and multibacillary; Number of registered household and outside contacts, classified by whole numbers starting with zero (no communications), and mode of entry, as new or not. The estimates obtained from the analysis of municipal indicators reveal that the coefficients of general detection and children under 15 years old remained at hyperendemic levels during the ten years of study with an apparent decrease in general detection to the period studied. Furthermore, according to national parameters, it was observed maintenance of a consistent number of diagnoses in children under 15 and insufficient contact examination coverage. Our study points to the importance of continuing leprosy control actions over time. Observing the findings related to some epidemiological and operational leprosy indicators in GV from 2001 to 2010 makes us aware of a high disease burden. Keywords: Epidemiological parameters, leprosy, operational indicators

Preliminary Screening of Phytoconstituents and Anti-Bacterial Examination of Annona muricata and Cucumbita maxima Leaves

Dried leaves of Annona muricata and Cucumbita maxima were extracted using chloroform, methanol and hexane solvents. The extracts were analysed for phytoconstituents using standard procedures. A preliminary test was also carried out on the anti-bacterial properties of the different solvent extracts against S. aureus, V. cholera and E. coli. Phytochemical analysis of Annona muricata and Cucumbita maxima showed the presence of alkaloids, fats and oil, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and proteins. However, glycosides were not detected in any of the plant extracts and coumarins were not detected in A. muricata and flavonoids were not detected Cucumbita maxima. The growth of S. aureus was inhibited in chloroform and hexane extracts of A muricata and hexane and methanol extract of C. maxima. The growth of V. cholera was inhibited to varying degrees by the extracts from all the solvents, while E. coli was only inhibited in hexane extracts of both plants. The results observed revealed that both plants can serve useful purposes in traditional medicine and can be harnessed for scientific design in drug synthesis and production. Keywords: Phytochemicals, screening, solvent extracts, Annona muricata and Cucumbita maxima, anti-bacterial

Frequency Distribution of Prostatic Lesions in Males at Gadarif Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre, Gadarif State Eastern Sudan

The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ, mostly affected by diseases. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among men and causes mortality and morbidity in elderly males. The present study was carried out to determine the pattern of prostatic lesions in male patients at Gadarif Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre, Gadarif State, Eastern Sudan from October 2017 to September 2019. For this retrospective descriptive investigation, the analysis of histopathological records of 167 cases of prostate lesions showed the mean age of 71±9.6 years; most of the patients being in the age group 61-70 years represented 67(40.1%) cases. The most common patterns of the prostatic lesions were benign prostatic hyperplasia accounted for 124 (74%) cases, 85(68.5 %) of them having chronic prostatitis on top of the benign prostatic hyperplasia, the second pattern was adenocarcinoma which accounted for 42 cases. 32(19.2) malignant cases showed PSA levels >24 ng/ml, which revealed strong correlation between the increase in PSA levels and malignant lesions (p= 0.000). The most frequent Gleason scores were 7 and 9 and Gleason’s grade 3 was the most common histologic grade found in 16 (41%) cases. The present study revealed that benign prostatic hyperplasia was the most common lesion followed by adenocarcinoma and increased in elderly males. A strong correlation between increasing PSA levels and adenocarcinoma was established. Keywords: Prostatic gland, histopathology, benign prostatic hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma, PSA