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Assessment of the Nutritional, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Chromolaena odorata Leaves
No full textBackground and Aims: Chromolaena odorata is an invasive weed that grows all over Nigeria. Despite being regarded as an unwanted weed coupled with the rise in antibiotic resistance, there is a need to explore the nutritional and antimicrobial properties of the leaves. This study therefore evaluated the nutritional composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract
Methodology: Chromolaena leaves were collected, and the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents, and antioxidant properties of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract were determined using standard procedures. The agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the methanol and ethyl acetate extract against the pathogens. At the same time, the active compounds present in the leaf were identified using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: The proximate compositions of the leaf are moisture content (9.06 ± 0.07), ash content (1.45 ± 0.08), crude fat (6.84 ± 0.62), crude protein (6.88 ± 0.42), crude fiber (5.15 ± 0.13), and carbohydrate content (70.65 ± 0.26). The microelements were present in this order: K>Mg>P>Ca>Zn>Cl>Mn. Na and Cd had values of (0.01 ± 0.000), while Pb was not detected. Saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, and alkaloids except tannins were present. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents are 14.93 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g and 5.34 ± 0.04 mg QE/g, respectively. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radicals, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) had IC50 values of 309.62 µg/mL, 366.74 µg/mL, and 572.17 µg/mL, respectively, while the IC50 value for the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was 271.25 µg/mL. The leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata showed varying degrees of inhibition against the tested pathogens. Salmonella typhimurium 14028 was the most susceptible bacterium, while Escherichia. coli 25922 showed the least activity (4.5 mm). The HPLC revealed the presence of active compounds, such as quercetin, chalcone, kaempferol, flavone, flavonol, naringenin, and chromomoric acid.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the nutritional and dietary potential of Chromolaena odorata leaves. The extracts may be considered an effective antimicrobial agent against clinical pathogens
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An Atypical Adult Presentation and Comprehensive Literature Review with Management Recommendations
No full textBackground: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene and subsequent dystrophin deficiency, leads to progressive muscle degeneration, loss of ambulation, and life-limiting cardiorespiratory failure. While classically presented in early childhood, significant advancements in multidisciplinary care have dramatically extended survival, transforming DMD into a chronic condition requiring lifelong management, including transition to adult care. Concurrently, the therapeutic landscape is evolving with the advent of mutation-targeted molecular therapies alongside established supportive care standards.
Aim and Objectives: This paper integrates the presentation of a rare case of DMD diagnosed in a 34-year-old male in Peshawar, Pakistan, with a comprehensive literature review. The objective is to synthesize current evidence-based knowledge regarding the etiology, diagnosis, prognostic factors, and multidisciplinary management of DMD across its full clinical spectrum. The review provides a framework for recognizing typical and atypical presentations, anticipating complications, implementing guideline-based care strategies, navigating transition issues, and understanding the potential and limitations of emerging therapies, with consideration for global perspectives and resource variability thereby highlighting current challenges and areas requiring further investigation.
Methodology: A case report methodology was employed, utilizing clinical records and diagnostic findings from the presented patient. This was combined with a comprehensive literature review synthesizing information from searches of biomedical databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library), key systematic reviews and meta-analyses, international care guidelines, patient registry data, and relevant primary research, focusing on evidence pertinent to the review\u27s objectives.
Synthesis and Conclusion: DMD manifests a spectrum of severity influenced by genetic factors and potentially modulated by environmental and socioeconomic variables. Accurate diagnosis via genetic testing is paramount for appropriate management and therapy eligibility. While standardized multidisciplinary care has significantly improved outcomes, transforming DMD care necessitates addressing long-term adult needs and transition planning. Novel molecular therapies offer promise but face substantial challenges related to delivery, immunogenicity, safety, cost, and equitable global access. Optimizing outcomes requires integrating established comprehensive care standards with appropriate application of new diagnostic and therapeutic advances, tailored to individual patient needs across diverse global contexts. This review provides a synthesized overview to support clinicians in navigating the complexities of DMD diagnosis and lifelong management
Molecular Characterization of Aflatoxin Producing Fungi Associated with Stored Grains in Bauchi Metropolis
No full textBackground and Aim: Various feeds and food grains are contaminated with mycotoxins produced by certain fungi along with other secondary metabolites due to long term storage, storage condition, or improper handling during harvest. The economic effects attributed to mycotoxin infections are widely felt in all sectors of the production and consumption of grain products. They are considered a major factor in the spoilage of food stuffs, leading to great economic loss and have implications for food safety and public health. The study aims to isolate and characterize Aflatoxin producing fungi associated with the spoilage of some stored grains within Bauchi metropolis.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Abubakar Tafawa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Nigeria, in a period duration of August 2024 to January 2025.
Methodology: Grain samples were obtained from various stores in markets and transported to the laboratory. Grains samples were aseptically inoculated in a set of three Petri dishes each containing of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and incubated for 5 days at 30°C. Pure culture was obtained from identified isolate after Identification of the isolates morphologically and phenotypically. Pure isolates were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) by extracting the DNA following the Bioneers kit manufacturers manual and gel electrophoresis was ran on the pure DNA extracted.
Aflatoxin test was done on samples using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Grain samples were ground into fine powder using mortar and pestle. Extraction was done on the samples and 10µl of the extract was added to the TLC plate 1cm from the bottom edge and allowed to dry. The TLC plate was placed in the developing chamber with the solvent at the bottom, allowing the solvent to rise up by capillary action. When solvent reached the top of the plate, the plate was allowed to air-dry completely. Sulfuric acid spray was used to visualize the separated compounds and plate was observed using spectrophotometer.
Results: The findings revealed a diverse array of Aspergillus species capable of producing aflatoxins, notably Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aspergillus was identified as the predominant fungal species, accounting for 51.47% of isolates, followed by Rhizopus (22.06%), Penicillium (19.12%), and Fusarium (7.35%). Significant aflatoxin contamination was observed across various grain types, with millet and groundnut exhibiting high contamination rates and concentrations. Molecular analysis further confirmed the presence and co-expression of aflR and aflS genes in Aspergillus flavus isolates, indicating strong aflatoxigenic potential.
Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence and some of the genetic diversity of the aflatoxin producing fungi focussing on the aflR and aflS gene which is one of the genes that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of aflatoxins. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to mitigate aflatoxin contamination and ensure food safety. The prevalence of aflatoxin producing fungi in this study was 65% based on the TLC result showing that 65 samples have exceeded the NAFDAC permissible limit. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus were the primary aflatoxin producers observed among the fungal isolates. The relationship between the grain type and aflatoxin contamination is highly significant indicating that the effect of grain type on aflatoxin production is consistent independent of storage conditions
Microbial Contaminants in the Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus
No full textThe evidence of a successful mushroom cultivation process is the production of high-quality fruit bodies, a process basically dependent on the quality of the spawns and substrates. Microbial contamination at any stage of the cultivation process poses a significant challenge to productivity and yield. The aim of this research was to isolate and identify bacteria and fungi associated with contaminated spawns and substrates in the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus in the Mushroom unit of Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre (BARC), Sheda Science and Complex (SHESTCO). The spawns were made using 100% wheat grain (Triticum aestivum) and the substrates were made using different formulations of sawdust (SD) and rice (Oryza sativa) bran (RB). Contamination was initially detected phenotypically through discoloration, unpleasant odor and poor mycelia colonization. The bacteria and fungi were isolated using spread plate method. The identification of the bacteria was done using morphological characteristics and biochemical tests. The fungi were identified based on their microscopic and macroscopic characteristics. The only microbial contaminant in the wheat spawns were identified as Bacillus subtilis. The mean total bacterial count (TBC) for the spawns varied from below detection limit to 2.1 x 106 CFU/g. The wheat spawns had no coliforms and no fungal growth. The spawns were inoculated on rice bran (RC) and sawdust (SD) substrates having different percentage ratios: RC (70%): SD (30%); SD (70%): RC (30%) and RC (50%): SD (50%), 100% sawdust and 100% rice bran. The mean TBC for contaminated substrates varied between below detection limit to 4.5 x 106 CFU/g. The bacterial isolates and percentage of occurrence were: Bacillus subtilis 5(25%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 10(50%) and Staphylococcus aureus 5(25%). The mean total fungal count for the contaminated substrate ranged from below detection limit to 3.5 x 103. CFU/g. The fungal isolates were Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The 50% RB: 50% SD combination formulation which had no contamination also had the best yield. However, this does not necessarily mean that the 50% RB and 50% SD combination formulation would be best for avoiding contamination. Contaminated spawns and substrates along the cultivation line should be quickly removed and discarded aseptically to avoid cross contamination. Stringent sterilization and pasteurization techniques should be adopted to ensure uniformity in order to prevent future contamination. Future studies should focus on the molecular characterization of these contaminants and elucidate their specific effect on mycelia colonization at each cultivation point
Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary: Bridging Traditional Uses and Modern Applications
No full textMedicinal plants play an important role in illness control in both animals and people, and they are most widely utilized by native cultures across the world. Rosmarinus officianilis L., popularly known as rosemary, herbaceous perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family, receives much attention due to its therapeutic properties. Various secondary metabolites such as diosmin, rosmarinic acid (RA), luteolin, hispidulin 7-O-glucoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-glucoside, glucuronide, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, and genkwanin are found in its leaves, flowers, roots, and stems. Preclinical research indicates that rosemary extract enhances cognitive functions, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation, suggesting its use in preventing and managing neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, rosemary has demonstrated efficacy in regulating the gut-brain axis, aiding gastrointestinal diseases, and minimizing intestinal inflammation. Its antiviral properties, especially concerning influenza A and SARS-CoV-2, highlight its significance in infectious diseases. In dermatology, rosemary helps improve acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb also has a positive impact on bones by stimulating osteoblastic activity and suppressing bone resorption. Rosemary’s multifunctionality is further highlighted by its insecticidal properties and application in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Thus, Rosemary extracts can be formulated as possible candidates to be used in the diet with promising effectiveness at pre-determined doses, preventing toxicity, provided the aspects outlined above. Although their efficacy as medicinal agents is well established, it is preferable to encourage the creation of novel formulations using rosemary extracts. This review complies the updated rosemary broad therapeutic applications, although further clinical research is required to integrate it effectively into medicine and functional products
Kolaviron Modulates Glucose Metabolism-associated Genes in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
No full textBackground: Despite advances in diabetic treatment, side effects of antidiabetic drugs, including hypoglycemia and allergic reactions, drive the search for safer natural alternatives. Kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola, has demonstrated antihyperglycemic properties, but its molecular impact on glucose metabolism-related genes remains understudied. This study aims to evaluate the effects of KV on Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (ARNT), Rat Insulin-2 (RATINS), Glucose transport type 4 (GLUT-4), and Toll-like receptor type 4 (TLR-4) gene expressions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: A total of 22 adult male and female Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced in 20 rats using 42 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were grouped into five: Group A (non-diabetic control, n=2), Group B (untreated diabetic, n=2), Group C (diabetic, metformin 100 mg/kg, n=6), Group D (diabetic, KV 100 mg/kg, n=6), and Group E (diabetic, KV 200 mg/kg, n=6). Treatments lasted three months. Blood glucose and HbA1c were assessed monthly. mRNA expression of target genes was evaluated by qPCR. Sequence variations were analyzed using Sanger sequencing.
Results: KV at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels (P<0.001). There was a significant upregulation of ARNT, RATINS, GLUT-4, and TLR-4 in KV-treated groups, with minor fluctuations in some months. A silent A→G mutation was detected at amino acid 885 of TLR-4 without altering protein function.
Conclusion: KV improved glycemic control and modulated key genes in glucose metabolism without inducing harmful mutations, supporting its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent
The Malnutrition–Infection Syndemic in Katsina State, Nigeria: Unravelling the Drivers and Catalysing Multi-Sectoral Public Health Action
No full textBackground: Northern Nigeria, particularly Katsina State, bears a disproportionate burden of child malnutrition and infectious diseases. These conditions interact synergistically within a syndemic framework, exacerbated by social and environmental inequities, leading to worse outcomes than if they occurred independently.
Objective: This narrative review aimed to critically synthesize evidence on the biological and contextual drivers of the malnutrition-infection syndemic in Katsina State and to propose a multi-sectoral framework for public health action.
Methods: This narrative review conducted Scopus-indexed literature (2018-2025) and key policy documents, with a focus on contextual relevance to the Sahelian and Nigerian context.Findings: The syndemic in Katsina is driven by a complex, self-reinforcing interplay of a biological vicious cycle, where malnutrition weakens immunity and infection depletes nutritional status, fueled by underlying drivers including severe food insecurity, gender inequity, poor Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) access, climate shocks, and a fragile health system. Current interventions, often siloed and vertical, have proven insufficient to break this cycle.
Conclusion: A paradigm shift from vertical programming to a syndemic-aware, multi-sectoral approach is urgently needed. Katsina Multi-Sectoral Action Framework (K-MSAF) was proposed, which centered on three pillars: Foundational Governance and Financing; Integrated Service Delivery; and Cross-Sectoral Programmatic Convergence. This framework provides a roadmap for policymakers to catalyze effective action to mitigate the syndemic in Katsina State
3D Bioprinting: A Transformative Approach to Personalized Medical Solutions
No full textIn this review article, we have discussed Three-dimensional bioprinting and its role in Personalized treatments. Bioprinting is 3D printing technology in which live 3D objects like tissues as well as organs are created by using 3D printers, cells, biomaterials, and scaffolds. The organs are printed by superimposing the material by using these tools. Some of the commonly used bioprinters are Inkjet printers, Extrusion-based printers, and Laser-assisted bioprinting. Further, we have discussed Personalized medicine or precision medicine, which has the ability to treat diseases by integrating information about a patient’s genetic factors. Various personalized treatments involve the application of bioprinting, few of them are briefly discussed in this review article such as Tailored design and fabrication, Organ transplant, Personalized cancer models, and Personalized prosthetics and implants. This bioprinting technology is emerging rapidly and it also faces some challenges like regulatory and ethical issues as well as important technical challenges such as ensuring biocompatibility of biomaterials, vascularization, structural stability, and long-term functional durability of the printed tissues or organs. As many scientists and researchers are working hard in this technology, there is a high chance that in the future, bioprinting will overcome all the obstacles and challenges occurring in the process
Antimicrobial Activities of Polysaccharides Isolated from Some Plant Seeds
No full textThe present investigation is about the measurement of antimicrobial activity (AMA) of polysaccharides isolated from the seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), safflower (Carthamu stinctorius),coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) against Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus), Escherichia coli (E.coli), Bacillus subtilis (B.subtilis) and (MRSA) at different concentrations using agar diffusion method In vitro. Polysaccharides (PSs) were extracted, isolated and purified from different seeds separately. Paper chromatographic analysis of the purified PSs, revealed the presence of different percentages of monosaccharides constituents per each seed PS. In vitro study was performed to evaluate the obtained PSs activities against 4 microbial strains (S. aureus, E. coli, B subtilis and MRSA) using agar diffusion method. PSs showed AMA against S. aureus and E. coli more than that of B subtilis and MRSA at 10% concentration and inhibition zones were estimated. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of PSs against S. aureus, E. coli, B subtilis and MRS were found in the range of 1-5 mg/ml. The result demonstrates the killing effect of PSs against S. aureus, E. coli, B subtilis and MRSA at 10% PS within 24 hours. Inhibition zone diameters exhibited different levels of decreases with the PSs concentrations decreases against S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis and MRSA. Inhibition effects of PSs against different microbial strains were found to be depending on PSs concentration. However, the lowest concentration of PSs produced lower inhibitory activity against S. aureus B. subtilis E. coli and MRSA. The results obtained with all PSs showed best AMA against S. aureus and E. coli than the other two microbial strains used in the present study. Results indicated these PSs have AMA against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterium at 10% concentration. The common PSs consider important sources of antimicrobial agents with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 100-500µg/ml for treatment some infectious diseases
Phenotypic and Genotyping Identification of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Enterobacteriaceae Obtained from Animal Fecal Samples within Owerri Metropolis
No full textBackground: One of the major means for the spread or distribution of antibiotic resistance is through animal, either by consumption or as companions. Most of the antibiotic resistant bacteria investigated have been reported to exhibit multidrug resistance which can either be acquired or natural. The present study was targeted at investigating the epidemiology of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Using stratified randomized sample design, three hundred (n = 300) fecal samples [of cattle, and goats (n = 150 for each)] were collected from various abattoir in Owerri metropolis. The isolation, purification, and antibiotic sensitivity were carried out using standard procedures. The resistant genes were investigated using forward and reverse primers specific for the following genes blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV.
Results: The result showed 97.67 % growth of Enterobacteriaceae. The highest Enterobacteriaceae isolated was in cattle fecal sample (61.00 %), while 2.33 % of the total samples did not show any growth for Enterobacteriaceae. Only three Enterobacteriaceae species were identified: Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Escherichia coli was the most abundant Enterobacteriaceae (42.32 %) and P. vulgaris was the least abundant (23.89 %). The isolates showed multiple resistances to most of the antibiotics tested. All the isolates were susceptible to Imipenem (IPM). The molecular characterization showed the presence of the three genes (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV) investigated. The blaCTX gene-band was the most prevalent (72.22 %) while the blaSHV gene-band was the lowest prevalent resistant gene (61.11 %).
Conclusion: It was concluded that the genes: blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV were present in Enterobacteriaceae species (K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, and E. coli) isolated from abattoir in Owerri metropolis, Imo State