Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of the Leaves and Stem Essential Oils of <i> Jatropha gossypifolia</i> L.

Okoh, Sunday O.,Iweriebor, Benson C.,Okoh, Omobola O.,Nwodo, Uchechukwu U.,Okoh, Anthony I. Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2016 BioMed research international Vol.2016 No.-

<P>Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the leaves and stem essential oils (EOs) of<I> Jatropha gossypifolia</I> and their efficacies against infectious and oxidative stress diseases were studied<I> in vitro</I>. The EOs obtained using Clevenger modified apparatus were characterized by high resolution GC-MS, while their antioxidant and antibacterial properties were examined by spectrophotometric and agar diffusion techniques, respectively. The EOs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against<I> Escherichia coli</I>,<I> Enterococcus faecium, </I>and<I> Staphylococcus aureus</I>. The stem essential oil (SEO) was more active than the leaf essential oil (LEO) against test bacteria with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.025 to 0.05 mg/mL and the LEO from 0.05 to 0.10 mg/mL. The SEO was bactericidal at 0.025 and 0.05 mg/mL against<I> S</I>.<I> aureus</I> and<I> E</I>.<I> faecium</I>, respectively, and the LEO was bacteriostatic against the three bacteria at 0.05 and 0.10 mg/mL. The SEO IC<SUB>50</SUB> (0.07 mg/mL) showed that the antiradical strength was superior to LEO (0.32 mg/mL) and <I>β</I>-carotene (1.62 mg/mL) in scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH<SUP>•</SUP>). The oils effectively reduced three other oxidants to neutral molecules in concentration dependent manner. Findings from this study suggest that, apart from the traditional uses of the plant extracts, the EOs have strong bioactive compounds with noteworthy antibacterial and antiradical properties and may be good candidates in the search for lead compounds for the synthesis of novel potent antibiotics.</P>

Nutrient dynamics in decomposing litter from four selected tree species in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Okoh, Thomas,Edu, Esther The Ecological Society of Korea 2019 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.43 No.4

Background: Nutrient release during litter decomposition was investigated in Vitex doniana, Terminalia avecinioides, Sarcocephallus latifolius, and Parinari curatellifolius in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria (January 10 to March 10 and from June 10 to August 10, 2016). Leaf decomposition was measured as loss in mass of litter over time using the decay model W_t/W₀ = e-^{kd t}, while $Kd=-{\frac{1}{t}}In({\frac{Wt}{W0}})$ was used to evaluate decomposition rate. Time taken for half of litter to decompose was measured using T₅₀ = ln ²/k; while nutrient accumulation index was evaluated as $NAI=(\frac{{\omega}t\;Xt}{{\omega}oXo})$. Results: Average mass of litter remaining after exposure ranged from 96.15 g, (V. doniana) to 78.11 g, (S. lafolius) in dry (November to March) and wet (April to October) seasons. Decomposition rate was averagely faster in the wet season (0.0030) than in the dry season (0.0022) with P. curatellifolius (0.0028) and T. avecinioides (0.0039) having the fastest decomposition rates in dry and wet seasons. Mean residence time (days) ranged from 929 to 356, while the time (days) for half the original mass to decompose ranged from 622 to 201 (dry and wet seasons). ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) in decomposition rates and exposure time (days) and a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between species and exposure time in both seasons. Conclusion: Slow decomposition in the plant leaves implied carbon retention in the ecosystem and slow release of CO₂ back to the atmosphere, while nitrogen was mineralized in both seasons. The plants therefore showed effectiveness in nutrient cycling and support productivity in the ecosystem.

Nutrient dynamics in decomposing litter from four selected tree species in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Thomas Okoh,Esther Edu 한국생태학회 2019 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.43 No.4

Background: Nutrient release during litter decomposition was investigated in Vitex doniana, Terminalia avecinioides, Sarcocephallus latifolius, and Parinari curatellifolius in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria (January 10 to March 10 and from June 10 to August 10, 2016). Leaf decomposition was measured as loss in mass of litter over time using the decay model Wt/W0 = e−kd t, while Kd ¼ −1t InðWt W0Þ was used to evaluate decomposition rate. Time taken for half of litter to decompose was measured using T50 = ln 2/k; while nutrient accumulation index was evaluated as NAI = ðωt Xt ωoXoÞ: Results: Average mass of litter remaining after exposure ranged from 96.15 g, (V. doniana) to 78.11 g, (S.lafolius) in dry (November to March) and wet (April to October) seasons. Decomposition rate was averagely faster in the wet season (0.0030) than in the dry season (0.0022) with P. curatellifolius (0.0028) and T.avecinioides (0.0039) having the fastest decomposition rates in dry and wet seasons. Mean residence time (days) ranged from 929 to 356, while the time (days) for half the original mass to decompose ranged from 622 to 201 (dry and wet seasons). ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) in decomposition rates and exposure time (days) and a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between species and exposure time in both seasons. Conclusion: Slow decomposition in the plant leaves implied carbon retention in the ecosystem and slow release of CO2 back to the atmosphere, while nitrogen was mineralized in both seasons. The plants therefore showed effectiveness in nutrient cycling and support productivity in the ecosystem.

HIV/AIDS Management: Dolutegravir Based Antiretroviral Drug Therapy

John, Ikpeama Osita,Emmanuel, Okoh Emeka,Anthonia, Ikpeama Chizoba,Joy, Ikpeama Chinwe,Adimabua, Okafor Patrick,Osazuwa, Igbineweka Osa,Andrew, Ikpeama Emeka,Mariam, Onuzulike Nonye,Gami, Hilary Tumba Korea FoodHealth Convergence Association 2020 식품보건융합연구 (KJFHC) Vol.6 No.4

HIV/AIDS disease still remain a global pandemic and it's management has undergone series of treatment changes and improvement although there is still no permanent cure.Dolutegravir belongs to a group of HIV drugs called integrase inhibitors. Integrase inhibitors block an HIV enzyme called integrase. By blocking integrase, integrase inhibitors prevent HIV from multiplying and can reduce the amount of HIV in the body.Dolutegravir combination based regimen has turned out to be very effective (antiviral) with negligible rare side effects on clients. This drug (Dolutegravir based regimen) combination has successfully increased the appetite for food of all the clients, unlike others and has shown to reduce viral load in the most shortest period ever. It can be deduced that development of resistant mutant virus will be reduced if not eliminated with dolutogravir based regimen.The role of Continuous adherence counseling has shown to improve clients treatment management. It is important to note that the availability of food has direct effect on the economic status or financial weight on the client. Hence the progress that is increase in body mass index (BMI) is a direct impact of the availability of food for the clients.

Inhibitory Effects of Super Reductive Water on Plant Pathogenic Fungi

Jae-SeounHur,Hae-JinKim,Soon-OkOh,YoungJinKoh,Young-SeKwak,ChoongIlLee 한국식물병리학회 2002 Plant Pathology Journal Vol.18 No.5

The antifungal activity of super reductive water (SRW) against plant pathogenic fungi was examined to extend its application to integrated pest management (IPM) for plant diseases. Diluted solutions (×1/10, ×1/25, and ×1/50) of SRW inhibited fungal growth of kiwifruit soft rot pathogen, Diaporthe actinidiae, in a concentration dependent manner. When kiwifruits were inoculated on wounds with mycelium blocks, stock and diluted solutions successfully inhibited the disease development. In addition to the high pH of the SRW, fungistatic activity was also considered as the cause of the antifungal effect against the pathogen. Whereas conidial germination of Magnaporthe grisea was not affected by the diluted SRW solutions, appressorium formation was significantly inhibited in a concentration dependent manner. With little harmfulness to human health and environment, SRW could be used to control plant pathogenic fungi, particularly appressorium-forming fungal pathogens.

Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination; Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice in Final Year Medical Students in Nigeria

Ugwumba, Fred O,Ekwueme, Osa Eloka C,Okoh, Agharighom D Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.11

The testicular cancer (TCa) incidence is increasing in many countries, with age-standardized incidence rates up to 7.8/100,000 men in the Western world, although reductions in mortality and increasingly high cure rates are being witnessed at the same time. In Africa, where rates are lower, presentation is often late and morbidity and mortality high. Given this scenario, awareness of testicular cancer and practice of testicular self-examination among future first response doctors is very important. This study was conducted to determine knowledge and attitude to testicular cancer, and practice of testicular self-examination (TSE) among final (6th) year medical students. In addition, the effect of an intervention in the form of a single PowerPoint(R) lecture, lasting 40 minutes with image content on testicular cancer and testicular self examination was assessed. Pre and post intervention administration of a self-administered structured pre tested questionnaire was performed on 151 medical students, 101 of whom returned answers (response rate of 66.8%). In the TC domain, there was a high level of awareness of testicular cancer, but poor knowledge of the age group most affected, with significant improvement post intervention (p<0.001). Notable also was the poor awareness of the potential curability of TC, this also being improved following the intervention (p<0.001). A poor level of awareness and practice of testicular self-examination pre-intervention was found considering the nature of the study group..Respondents had surprisingly weak/poor responses to the question "How important to men's health is regular testicular self-examination?" Answers to the questions "Do you think it is worthwhile to examine your testis regularly?" and "Would you be interested in more information on testicular cancer and testicular self-examination?" were also suboptimal, but improved post intervention p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.037. Age, gender and marital status were without specific influence. In conclusion, this study showed poor levels of knowledge regarding epidemiology of TCa and its potential curability when detected early. There was also a poor awareness of, practice of, and poor attitudes to TSE. The significant improvement in these parameters post intervention indicates value in educational intervention. We recommend inclusion of TCa coverage and TSE teaching in the secondary school curriculum (targeting adolescents). Greater emphasis should also be given to testicular cancer in the curricula of medical schools and other training institutions for health care personnel.

Feasibility of Community Information Centres and The Implications for Technological Innovations in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Kingsley N. Igwe,Elizabeth O. Ndubuisi-Okoh,Patience Odenigbo 건국대학교 GLOCAL(글로컬)캠퍼스 지식콘텐츠연구소 2023 International Journal of Knowledge Content Develop Vol.13 No.2

The development of rural areas is expected to be holistic covering all essential infrastructure. Community information centres (CICs) are agencies that should be part of the infrastructures for rural development. Unfortunately, these centres are hardly seen in rural communities in Nigeria, including Afikpo in Ebonyi State. Thus, this study was conceived to explore the perceptions of citizens towards the establishment of CICs in the locality. It adopted survey research method with questionnaire as instrument for data collection, which was self-developed and validated by experts with a pre-texted reliability index of 0.72. A total of 399 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out of which 267 copies were properly completed, representing 67% and were used for analysis. Findings revealed that the citizens have overall positive perception towards establishing the CICs; they are also knowledgeable of the benefits of such centres. Furthermore, there are workable suggestions on ways of establishing, funding and managing CICs in Afikpo. In addition, about 65% of the respondents indicated interest to assist and support the funding and management of the CICs when established. However, the challenges of inadequate funding and support as well as the possible politics of where to site/locate the CICs in Afikpo, are likely impediments to the project. The study concluded that citizens have strong and positive disposition towards establishing CICs in Afikpo. The implications of such CICs for technological innovations were analysed. The study recommends, among others, that government should see the establishment of CICs as priority projects that would significantly contribute to the growth and development of rural communities in Nigeria; communities in Afikpo should explore self-help approach to development; and political representatives from Afikpo should take advantage of establishing CICs as constituency projects for the citizens.

Seasonal Abundance and Distribution of Vibrio Species in the Treated Effluents of Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Suburban and Urban Communities of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Etinosa O. Igbinosa,Chikwelu L. Obi,Anthony I. Okoh 한국미생물학회 2011 The journal of microbiology Vol.49 No.2

We assessed the seasonal abundance and distribution of Vibrio species as well as some selected environmental parameters in the treated effluents of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), one each located in a suburban and urban community of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Vibrio population density ranged from 2.1×10^1 to 4.36×10^4 CFU/ml in the suburban community and from 2.80×10^1 to 1.80×10^5 CFU/ml in the urban community. Vibrio species associated with 180 μm, 60 μm, and 20 μm plankton sizes were observed at densities of 0-1.36×10^3 CFU/ml, 0-8.40×10^2 CFU/ml, and 0-6.80×10^2 CFU/ml, respectively at the suburban community’s WWTP. In the urban community, observed densities of culturable Vibrio were 0-2.80×10^2CFU/ml (180 μm), 0-6.60×10^2 CFU/ml (60 μm), and 0-1.80×10^3 CFU/ml (20 μm). The abundance of free-living Vibrio species ranged from 0 to 1.0×10^2 and 1.0×10^3 CFU/ml in the suburban and urban communities’WWTPs, respectively. Molecular confirmation of the presumptive Vibrio isolates revealed the presence of V. fluvialis (41.38%), V. vulnificus (34.48%), and V. parahaemolyticus (24.14%) in the suburban community effluents. In the urban community molecular confirmation revealed that the same species were present at slightly different percentages, V. fluvialis (40%), V. vulnificus (36%), and V. parahaemolyticus (24%). There was no significant correlation between Vibrio abundance and season, either as free-living or planktonassociated entities, but Vibrio species abundance was positively correlated with temperature (r=0.565; p<0.01),salinity, and dissolved oxygen (p<0.05). Turbidity and pH showed significant seasonal variation (p<0.05)across the seasons in both locations. This study underscores the potential of WWTPs to be sources of Vibrio pathogens in the watershed of suburban and urban communities in South Africa.