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The spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), has a wide range of anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and ecology depending on the host plant. This research looked at the genetic variations between A. dispersus populations on two separate host plants (Citrus aurantifolia and Ocimum gratissimum). The existence of host-related genetic variation in A. dispersus populations was determined using Rapid Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Our findings revealed that the A. dispersus populations on the two host plants had a considerable amount of genetic divergence. The spiralling whiteflies on the adaxial part of Citrus aurantifolia were genetically distinct from those on the abaxial part of the same plants. Various population genetic parameters such as heterozygosity, Nei's genetic gap, and fixation indices (FST) revealed that spiralling whitefly populations vary genetically, which may be attributable to spiralling whitefly populations originating from multiple sources. These findings also have consequences for the invasive pest's quarantine safety strategy.

There has been an increasing rate of cannabis consumption globally, especially among the youths. This study therefore evaluated the neurological behaviours and some brain marker hormones and enzymes of cannabis administered rats. Twenty six albino rats were divided into four groups based on oral cannabis administration (control, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and the combination of the two). At the end of seven days, open field test was conducted on the rats. Also, brain neuro-chemicals, activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using spectrophotometry. The results of the Open-Field Test showed an appreciable increase in the level of ambulation (line crossing), grooming, urination and stretched attend posture in the rats administered with Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa and the combination when compared with the control. Norepinephrine was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the rat groups administered with the combination of Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. The control group however had the lowest dopamine level. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the rats administered the combination of both Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. The brain level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was significantly higher in the rats administered with Cannabis indica. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly higher in the rats administered with Cannabis sativa than the other rat groups. Histopathological evaluation of the brain also revealed various damages in the brain cells of rats administered with cannabis compared to the normal brain structure of the control rats. It is thus said that consumption of C. sativa or C. indica alone produced mild effect on the brain cells and physiology in rats. However, combination of C. sativa and C. indica produced a severe synergistic effect on the neurological function of the exposed rat.

Nanobodies against cell surface antigens of toxic cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa were recovered by whole-cell biopanning of a naïve phage display library of nanobodies. Six unique sequences were identified and three sub-cloned and purified as fusion immunoreagents together with either green fluorescent protein or AviTag to be used for diagnostics. The yields of nanobody constructs were in the range of 5-10 mg/l and their specificity and sensitivity was initially evaluated by immunofluorescence and by fluorescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using fluorescent nanobodies. The ELISA data confirmed the nanobody specificity but showed that the saturation of the fluorescence signal already in the presence of few hundreds of cells limited the dynamic range of the method. As an alternative, Avi-tagged nanobodies were used in combination with streptavidin-linked horseradish peroxidase for developing a diagnostic colorimetric cell ELISA, the limit-of-detection of which was 3.2 and 4.5 cells/ml for the two tested cyanobacteria strains, whereas the linear range of the assay was expanded from 10 to 10,000 cells. The fluorescent nanobodies were finally exploited for quantifying cyanobacteria by thermal lens spectrometry (TLS) that enabled to reach a limit-of-detection of 1.2 cells/ml and provided a linear range of measurement between 0 and 10,000 cells. No cross-reactivity with unrelated microalgae was detected and both colorimetric ELISA and TLS provided a linear range of detection of few logs. The data indicate that nanobodies are suitable capture reagents and that both TLS and colorimetric ELISA are reliable to monitor variations of cyanobacteria populations.

While the impact of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) on earthworms has been studied, little is known about their effects on the earthworm gut microbiome. This study investigated the impact of a GBH on the gut microbial communities of three earthworm species (Alma millsoni, Eudrilus eugeniae and Libyodrilus violaceus). Earthworm species accommodated in soil were sprayed with 115.49 mL/m² of Roundup® Alphee or water. Gut microbiome composition was analysed using 16S rRNA Bacterial Tag-Encoded FLX Amplicon Pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) at the 8th week post-herbicide application. A profound shift in bacterial populationswas observed in all exposed earthworms with Proteobacteria becoming the dominant phylum. Affected bacteria were mostly from the genus Enterobacter, Pantoea and Pseudomonas, which together represented approximately 80 % of the total abundance assigned at the genus level in exposed earthworms, while they were present at a minor abundance (∼1%) in unexposed earthworms. Although consistent results were observed between the three groups of worm species, it is not possible to generalize these outcomes due to a lack of biological replicates, which does not allow for inferential statistical analysis. Nevertheless, our study is the first to report the effects of a GBH on the earthworm gut microbiome and paves the way for future more comprehensive investigations.

This study investigates the stability of money in the proposed East African Monetary Union (EAMU). The study uses annual data for the period 1981 to 2015 from five countries making up the East African Community (EAC). A standard money demand function is designed and estimated using a bounds testing approach to co-integration and error-correction modeling. The findings show divergence across countries. This divergence is articulated in terms of differences in CUSUM (cumulative sum) and CUSUMSQ (CUSUM squared) tests, short run and long term determinants and error correction in event of a shock. Specifically, the results show that the demand for money is stable in the cases of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania based on the CUSUM and CUSUMSQ tests, while for the remaining countries (Kenya and Uganda) only partial stability is apparent. In event of a shock, Kenya will restore its long run equilibrium fastest, followed by Tanzania and Burundi.

The initial colonization of the host organism by commensal, probiotic, and pathogenic Escherichia coli strains is an important step in the development of infections and biofilms. Sensing and colonization of host cell surfaces are governed by flagellar and fimbriae/pili appendages, respectively. Biofilm formation confers great advantages on pathogenic E. coli cells such as protection against the host immune system, antimicrobial agents, and several environmental stress factors. The transition from planktonic to sessile physiological states involves several signaling cascades and factors responsible for the regulation of flagellar motility in E. coli cells. These regulatory factors have thus become important targets to control pathogenicity. Hence, attenuation of flagellar motility is considered a potential therapy against pathogenic E. coli. The present review describes signaling pathways and proteins involved in direct or indirect regulation of flagellar motility. Furthermore, application strategies for antimotility natural or synthetic compounds are discussed also.

Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever, an often-fatal hemorrhagic disease that is endemic in West Africa. Seven genetically distinct LASV lineages have been identified. As part of CEPI’s (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) Lassa vaccine development program, we assessed the potential of the human immune system to mount cross-reactive and cross-protective humoral immune responses to antigens from the most prevalent LASV lineages, which are lineages II and III in Nigeria and lineage IV in Sierra Leone. IgG and IgM present in the blood of Lassa fever survivors from Nigeria or Sierra Leone exhibited substantial cross-reactivity for binding to LASV nucleoprotein and two engineered (linked and prefusion) versions of the glycoproteins (GP) of lineages II–IV. There was less cross-reactivity for the Zinc protein. Serum or plasma from Nigerian Lassa fever survivors neutralized LASV pseudoviruses expressing lineage II GP better than they neutralized lineage III or IV GP expressing pseudoviruses. Sierra Leonean survivors did not exhibit a lineage bias. Neutralization titres determined using LASV pseudovirus assays showed significant correlation with titres determined by plaque reduction with infectious LASV. These studies provide guidance for comparison of humoral immunity to LASV of distinct lineages following natural infection or immunization.

Rice is an important staple food in Nigeria, affected by several diseases especially viruses. This study was carried out to evaluate the incidence and severity of two important viruses on rice plants and to identify associated insects in the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T), Abuja in 2019. Field experiment was carried out from June to October, 2019 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Nigeria, where ten rice varieties were assessed for incidence and severity. The seed and leaf samples were collected for serological indexing. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS and mean separation was done with Duncan Multiple Range Test. Of the 210 leaf samples collected, FARO 61 and 44 had the lowest incidence (19%), while FARO 65 recorded the highest (25.3%). FARO 52 recorded the highest severity (46%) while FARO 61 and FARO 60 had the lowest severity (30.1%) for rice yellow mottle sobemo-virus (RYMV) and maize streak geminivirus (MSV). Insects such as Spittle bug (Locris rubens and Poophilus costalis), Ladybird beetle (Cheilomenes sulphurea) and Groundhopper (Paratettix sp) were trapped on the field. All rice seed and leaf samples collected did not test positive to RYMV and MSV using Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study provides the first research work on rice viruses in the FCT and further studies are recommended. Key words: Nigeria, rice, rice yellow mottle sobemo-virus (RYMV), maize streak geminivirus (MSV), incidence, severity, virus symptoms, enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA).

Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever (LF), an often-fatal hemorrhagic disease. LF is endemic in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and other West African countries. Diagnosis of LASV infection is challenged by the genetic diversity of the virus, which is greatest in Nigeria. The ReLASV Pan-Lassa Antigen Rapid Test (Pan-Lassa RDT) is a point-of-care, in vitro diagnostic test that utilizes a mixture of polyclonal antibodies raised against recombinant nucleoproteins of representative strains from the three most prevalent LASV lineages (II, III and IV). We compared the performance of the Pan-LASV RDT to available quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays during the 2018 LF outbreak in Nigeria. For patients with acute LF (RDT positive, IgG/IgM negative) during initial screening, RDT performance was 83.3% sensitivity and 92.8% specificity when compared to composite results of two qPCR assays. 100% of samples that gave Ct values below 22 on both qPCR assays were positive on the Pan-Lassa RDT. There were significantly elevated case fatality rates and elevated liver transaminase levels in subjects whose samples were RDT positive compared to RDT negative.

Mosquito vectors are a tremendous public health threat as one in six diseases worldwide is vector-borne transmitted mainly by mosquitoes. In the last couple of years, there have been active Yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreaks in many settings in Nigeria, and nationwide, entomological surveillance has been a significant effort geared towards understanding these outbreaks. In this study, we used a metagenomic sequencing approach to characterize viruses present in vector samples collected during various outbreaks of Yellow fever (YF) in Nigeria between 2017 and 2020. Mosquito samples were grouped into pools of one to fifty mosquitoes, each based on species, sex and location. Twenty-five pools of Aedes spp and one pool of Anopheles spp collected from nine states were sequenced and metagenomic analysis was carried out. We identified a wide diversity of viruses belonging to various families in this sample set. Seven different viruses detected included: Fako virus, Phasi Charoen-like virus, Verdadero virus, Chaq like-virus, Aedes aegypti totivirus, cell fusing agent virus and Tesano Aedes virus. Although there are no reports of these viruses being pathogenic, they are an understudied group in the same families and closely related to known pathogenic arboviruses. Our work shows the revolutionary power of genomics to help detect the presence of viruses in mosquito vectors and unravel their pathogenic potential. This can help develop diagnostics and vaccines to help prevent the diseases caused by these viruses before they cause outbreaks in human populations.

Background Parkinsonism is a neurological disease characterised by dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantial nigra and dopamine deficiency in the brain, with motor and psycho-cognitive implications, while limitations masked the efficacy of the available drugs, thus the need to find alternatives with less side effects are essential. Nigella sativa is a multi-potent plant with therapeutic potentials in the brain and other body organs. This study investigated the effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the cognitive and other Parkinsonism endophenotypes elicited by MPTP in the BALB/c strain mice. Materials and Methods Body weights, brain-body ratios, recognition memory (through novel object recognition test), as well as fronto-cortical, striatal and cerebellar dopamine and neuronal density were assayed in thirty-two (32) male BALB/c mice (18 g − 25 g). They were randomized into four groups exposed to; normal feed, 18 mg/kg MPTP i.p, 1 ml/kgbw NSO p.o., and NSO + MPTP respectively, for 5 consecutive days. Behaviours were analysed 24 hours after the last exposure, subsequently euthanized, the brains removed and processed for biomarkers analysis and histochemistry. Results Parkinsonism-like traits such as mild tremor, down-regulation of striatal and fronto-cortical dopamine and neurons were recorded in the BALB/c mice administered with MPTP only. However, significant increase (p Nigella sativa was significantly prophylactic against the negative Parkinsonic features, and ‘moderative’ of the up-regulations induced by MPTP. Conclusion While this suggests selective MPTP sensitivity and resistance in BALB/c strains, this study recommends the investigation of possible (though ironic) beneficial potentials of MPTP.

The lactobacilli associated with a fermented goat milk product from Tajikistan were isolated to characterize their technological properties and antibiotic resistances in order to assess their suitability for development as starter cultures. In this study, twenty three strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as typical dairy-associated lactic acid bacterial strains, i.e. L. plantarum, L. pentosus, L. delbrueckii, L. helveticus and L. paracasei strains. These strains were generally susceptible to most antibiotics tested in this study and this allowed a selection of strains as safe starters. The draft genomes of four representative strains were sequenced and the number of contigs of the four assembled genomes ranged from 51 to 245 and the genome sizes ranged from 1.75 to 3.24 Mbp. These representative strains showed differences in their growth behavior and pH reducing abilities in in vitro studies. The co-inoculation of these Lactobacillus spp. strains together with a yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus MBT-5698, or together with the yeast and an additional Streptococcus thermophilus MBT-2, led to a pH reduction to 3.4 after 48 h. Only in the case of fermentation inoculated with the co-culture, the viscosity of the milk increased noticeably. In contrast, fermentations with single strains did not lead to gelation of the milk and to decrease the pH after 24h. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the predominant lactobacilli related to Tajikistan fermented milk products.

A novel Lactobacillus delbrueckii bacteriophage PMBT4 was isolated from the Nigerian fermented milk product nono. The phage possesses a long and thin, non-contractile tail and an isometric head, indicating that it belongs to the Siphoviridae family. A neck passage structure (`collar`), previously hypothesized to be encoded by two genes located in the Lactobacillus delbrueckii phage LL-K insertion sequence (KIS) element, as well as in two additional Lb. delbrueckii phages Ld17 and Ld25A, could also be observed on an estimated 1-5% of phage particles by transmission electron microscopy. However, neither mapping of high throughput sequencing data to KIS element genes from Lb. delbrueckii phages LL-K, Ld17 and Ld25A nor PCR amplification of the KIS element genes could corroborate the presence of these genes in the PMBT4 genome. The PMBT4 genome consists of 31,399 bp with a mol% GC content of 41.6 and exhibits high (95-96%) sequence homologies to Lb. delbrueckii phages c5, Ld3, Ld25A and Ld17, which assigned PMBT4 as a new member of this genus, i.e. the Cequinquevirus genus.

Introduction:infants in the first six months of life are relatively protected from malaria. Emerging reports from endemic regions however are showing increasing malaria susceptibility in this age group. This study set out to determine the prevalence, parasite density and predictive factors for malaria parasitaemia in ill young infants at the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH), Ilesa, Nigeria. Methods:ill infants aged one to six months were consecutively recruited over an 11-month period in a hospital based cross-sectional study. History of illness, sociodemographic and perinatal history were obtained; clinical examination and results of venous blood for thick and thin film malaria parasite examinations were recorded and analyzed. Results:the mean (SD) age of the 350 infants was 3.4 (1.6) months with male:female (M:F) of 1.2:1. The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia (all plasmodium falciparum) was 19.1% while parasite density ranged from 24.0 to 400,000 parasites/µl, median (IQR) 900 (250-4,588)/µl. Sixteen (4.6%) had heavy malaria parasitaemia (>5000/µl). Low social class (OR=2.457; 95%CI 1.404-4.300; p=0.002), suboptimal antenatal care (OR=2.226; 95%CI 1.096-4.522; p=0.027), low birth weight infants (OR=4.818; 95%CI 2.317-10.018; p=

Bacillus species were isolated from iru, a traditional fermented condiment in Nigeria. Polyphasic approach was used to evaluate the phylogenetic relationship and strain sub-type of the isolated species. Additionally, the phylogenetic profiles of the species isolated from iru were compared with those of bacilli isolated from different continents. The phylogenetic diversity analysis was performed using the combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, ITS-PCR, ITS-PCR-RFLP, and M13 RAPD-PCR. The analysis revealed that Bacillus subtilis U170B and B. subtilis U146A isolated from iru were the closest relatives of strains belonging to the phylogeny of B. subtilis sensu stricto and were related to other bacilli isolated from different continents that had functional benefits. The two isolated species exhibited resistance to acidic pH (pH 2.0). The survival rates of B. subtilis U170B, B. subtilis U146A, and B. clausii UBBC-07 (commercial probiotic strain) cultured at pH 2.0 for 3 h were 33.45, 12.44, and 9.53%, respectively. The strains were highly tolerant to bile salts [0.3% (w/v)]. B. subtilis U170B exhibited the highest cell viability (43.45%) when cultured for 3 h in the presence of bile salts, followed by B. subtilis U146A (25%) and B. clausii UBBC-07 (18.94%). B. subtilis U170B and B. subtilis U146A did not exhibit haemolytic activity and were susceptible to different antibiotics. Additionally, these two strains exhibited weak antagonistic activity against B. cereus. The diverse wild strains of B. subtilis can be used as a safe multifunctional starter culture for the industrial production of condiments with health benefits.

Fluoride is an environmental contaminant that is ubiquitously present in air, water, and soil. It is commonly added in minute quantity to drinking water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses to prevent tooth decay. Epidemiological findings have demonstrated that exposure to fluoride induced neurodevelopmental toxicity, developmental neurotoxicity, and motor disorders. The neuroprotective effect of clofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist, was investigated in the present study. Forty male Wistar rats were used for this study and randomly grouped into 10 rats per group as control, sodium fluoride (NaF) alone (300 ppm), NaF plus clofibrate (250 mg/kg), and NaF plus lisinopril (10 mg/kg), respectively, for 7 days. NaF was administered in drinking water while clofibrate and lisinopril were administered by oral gavage. Markers of neuronal inflammation and oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase activity, and neurobehavioral (hanging wire and open field) tests were performed. Immunohistochemistry was performed on brain tissues, and they were probed with glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, and cerebellar Ca2+ -binding protein calbindin-D28k. The results showed that NaF significantly increased of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and inhibited AChE activity. Immunostaining showed reactive astrocytes, microgliosis, loss of dendritic spines, and arborization in Purkinje cells in rats administered only NaF. Neurobehavioral results showed that cotreatment of NaF with clofibrate improved muscular strength and locomotion, reduced anxiety, and significantly reduced astrocytic count. Overall, cotreatment of NaF with either clofibrate or lisinopril showed neuroprotective effects by mitigating neuronal inflammation and oxidative and motor incoordination. Hence, clofibrate could be seen as a novel drug candidate against neurodegeneration and motor disorders.

Recent reports on finding Wolbachia-strain infections in field mosquito species in some West African countries and the potential for developing these as disease vector biocontrol tools have prompte...

Fermented foods play a major role in the diet of people in Africa, where a wide variety of raw materials are fermented. Understanding the microbial populations of these products would help in the design of specific starter cultures to produce standardized and safer foods. In this study, the bacterial diversity of African fermented foods produced from several raw materials (cereals, milk, cassava, honey, palm sap, and locust beans) under different conditions (household, small commercial producers or laboratory) in 8 African countries was analysed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing during the Workshop “Analysis of the Microbiomes of Naturally Fermented Foods Training Course”. Results show that lactobacilli were less abundant in fermentations performed under laboratory conditions compared to artisanal or commercial fermentations. Excluding the samples produced under laboratory conditions, lactobacilli is one of the dominant groups in all the remaining samples. Genera within the order Lactobacillales dominated dairy, cereal and cassava fermentations. Genera within the order Lactobacillales, and genera Zymomonas and Bacillus were predominant in alcoholic beverages, whereas Bacillus and Lactobacillus were the dominant genera in the locust bean sample. The genus Zymomonas was reported for the first time in dairy, cereal, cassava and locust bean fermentations.

Background The development and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Greater Mekong Subregion has created impetus for continuing global monitoring of efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). This post analyses is aimed to evaluate changes in early treatment response markers 10 years after the adoption of ACTs as first-line treatments of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Nigeria. Methods At 14 sentinel sites in six geographical areas of Nigeria, we evaluated treatment responses in 1341 children under 5 years and in additional 360 children under 16 years with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in randomized trials of artemether-lumefantrine versus artesunate-amodiaquine at 5-year interval in 2009–2010 and 2014–2015 and at 2-year interval in 2009–2010 and 2012–2015, respectively after deployment in 2005. Results Asexual parasite positivity 1 day after treatment initiation (APPD1) rose from 54 to 62% and 2 days after treatment initiation from 5 to 26% in 2009–2010 to 2014–2015 (P = 0.002 and P 75 000 μl− 1, haematocrit > 27% 1 day post-treatment initiation, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine and enrolment in 2014–2015 independently predicted APPD1. In parallel, Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of recurrent infections by day 28 rose from 8 to 14% (P = 0.005) and from 9 to 15% (P = 0.02) with artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine, respectively. Mean asexual parasitaemia half-life increased significantly from 1.1 h to 1.3 h within 2 years (P

Alicyclobacillus genus includes thermo-acidophilic, endospore-forming bacteria that cause spoilage of pasteurized fruit juice through formation of phenolic off-flavours. Effective quality control during fruit juice processing is a prerequisite and early detection of Alicyclobacillus in raw materials and finished products can guarantee product quality and longer shelf life. Highly sensitive, cost-effective traditional microbiological methods for Alicyclobacillus detection are often too slow in achieving results, therefore alternative culture-independent approaches have been proposed for rapid detection of Alicyclobacillus contamination in industrial production line. In this review, the various innovative techniques which have been exploited for rapid detection of Alicyclobacillus in contaminated juices and concentrates were appraised. The techniques were discussed under three analytical approaches, including (i) cells/spores-based detection (spectroscopy and immunoassays), (ii) nucleic acid-based detection (amplification and non-amplification methods), and (iii) metabolites-based detection (detection of specific phenolic off-flavours, assessment of total volatile profile of sample or detection of non-volatile metabolites). The sensitivity and rapidity of individual technique were highlighted as well as their drawbacks and recommendations for optimization. The combination of these innovative detection techniques with immunomagnetic separation and DNA-aptamer binding, as to achieve better assay sensitivity and rapidity are also discussed.

The availability of preimmune libraries of antibody fragments allows for the fast generation of binders which can be expressed in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. We exploited the recombinant nature of antibody fragments to demonstrate the possibility of expressing them as functional proteins displayed on the surface of Escherichia coli and by such a way to generate living reagents ready-to-use for diagnostics. Such immunoreagents were effectively exploited without the necessity of any purification step to prepare immunocapture surfaces suitable for the diagnostic of both cancer cells and toxic microalgae. The same nanobody-displaying bacteria were also engineered to coexpress GFP in their cytoplasm. Suspensions of such living fluorescent immunoreagents effectively bound to eukaryotic cells making them visible and quantifiable by flow cytometry analysis and using 96-well plate readers. The collected data showed the suitability of such living immunoreagents for reproducible and inexpensive diagnostic applications.

Background Malaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refine existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial. Methods In this study, characterization of the parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria was carried out using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellite loci were amplified via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analysed using population genetic tools. Results Estimates of parasite genetic diversity, such as mean number of different alleles (13.52), effective alleles (7.13), allelic richness (11.15) and expected heterozygosity (0.804), were high. Overall linkage disequilibrium was weak (0.006, P Conclusion The high level of parasite genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. However, higher resolution methods, such as the 24 SNP barcode and whole genome sequencing, may capture more specific parasite genetic signatures circulating in the country. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite genetic diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.

Shiga toxigenic strains of E. coli (STEC) known to be etiological agents for diarrhea were screened for their incidence/occurrence in selected abattoirs sources in Osogbo metropolis of Osun State, Nigeria using a randomized block design. Samples were plated directly on selective and differential media and E. coli isolates. Multiplex PCR analysis was used to screen for the presence of specific virulence factors. These were confirmed serologically as non-O157 STEC using latex agglutination serotyping kit. Sequence analysis of PCR products was performed on a representative isolate showing the highest combination of virulence genes using the 16S gene for identification purposes only. Results showed that the average cfu/cm2 was significantly lower in the samples collected at Sekona-2 slaughter slab compared with those collected at Al-maleek batch abattoir and Sekona-1 slaughter slab in ascending order at P = 0.03. Moreover, the average cfu/cm2E. coli in samples collected from butchering knife was significantly lower when compared with that of the workers’ hand (P = 0.047) and slaughtering floor (P = 0.047) but not with the slaughter table (P = 0.98) and effluent water from the abattoir house (P = 0.39). These data suggest that the abattoir type may not be as important in the prevalence and spread of STEC as the hygiene practices of the workers. Sequence analysis of a representative isolate showed 100% coverage and 96.46% percentage identity with Escherichia coli O113:H21 (GenBank Accession number: CP031892.1) strain from Canada. This sequence was subsequently submitted to GenBank with accession number MW463885. From evolutionary analyses, the strain from Nigeria, sequenced in this study, is evolutionarily distant when compared with the publicly available sequences from Nigeria. Although no case of E. coli O157 was found within the study area, percent occurrence of non-O157 STEC as high as 46.3% at some of the sampled sites is worrisome and requires regulatory interventions in ensuring hygienic practices at the abattoirs within the study area.

In 2005, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health revised the treatment policy for uncomplicated malaria with the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). This policy change discouraged the use of Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as the second-line treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. However, SP is used as an intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in children aged 3–59 months. There have been increasing reports of SP resistance especially in the non-pregnant population in Nigeria, thus, the need to continually monitor the efficacy of SP as IPTp and SMC by estimating polymorphisms in dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) and dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) genes associated with SP resistance. The high resolution-melting (HRM) assay was used to investigate polymorphisms in codons 51, 59, 108 and 164 of the dhfr gene and codons 437, 540, 581 and 613 of the dhps gene. DNA was extracted from 271 dried bloodspot filter paper samples obtained from children (dhfr triple mutant I51R59N108, dhps double mutant G437G581 and quadruple dhfr I51R59N108 + dhps G437 mutant haplotypes were observed in 80.8%, 13.7% and 52.8% parasites, respectively. Although the quintuple dhfr I51R59N108 + dhps G437E540 and sextuple dhfr I51R59N108 + dhps G437E540G581 mutant haplotypes linked with in-vivo and in-vitro SP resistance were not detected, constant surveillance of these haplotypes should be done in the country to detect any change in prevalence.

Persister cells are transiently antibiotic-tolerant and dormant subpopulations that are produced to escape the effects of antibiotics within biofilms or planktonic cell populations. Persister cells are of high clinical importance due to their tolerance to antimicrobial agents and subsequent failure in antibiotic treatments. Understanding persister cell formation mechanisms is therefore highly important for developing effective therapeutic strategies against pathogenic bacterial persisters. Several anti-persister compounds have been previously identified via isolation from natural resources or chemical synthesis. Furthermore, a combination of these compounds with antibiotics or non-antibiotic drugs also allows action on multiple targets while reducing the administration frequency. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the clinical importance and formation mechanisms of persister cells as well as the current treatment strategies against persister cell formations in chronic infections.

The problems which affect seed germination of D.melanoxylon in the natural environment are also reflected on germination in the Murashige and Skoog medium and in callus induction. Vulnerability to fungal attack is a limitation for successful callus induction and germination in the culture room.

IntroductionThe emerging role of non-albicans Candida species (NACS) as causal agents of mild to life-threatening mycoses is increasingly being appreciated. Some NACS are known for intrinsic resistance or reduced susceptibility to some antifungal drugs. To inform on therapeutic options and management of candidiasis, we embarked on Candida species surveillance in South west Nigeria.MethodWe obtained retrospective yeast isolates from urogenital samples of patients in a tertiary hospital in South west Nigeria. Among 47 isolates identified phenotypically, we encountered a yeast which failed to produce pseudohyphae in human serum but was morphologically similar to Candida albicans. We characterized this yeast by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region of the ribosomal DNA.ResultsA BLAST search and sequence homology identified the yeast as Candida (Diutina)mesorugosa, with a strong bootstrap.ConclusionCandida mesorugosa, a rarely isolated yeast from clinical samples worldwide, should be considered among potentially relevant NACS in Nigerian clinics. To the best our knowledge, this is the first report of Candida mesorugosa from a clinical sample in Nigeria. This finding confirms the need for more specific methods, such as DNA sequencing, for extensive surveillance of NACS.

The high morbidity and mortality associated with clinical cases of Lassa fever, together with the lack of licensed vaccines and limited and partially effective interventions, make Lassa virus (LASV) an important health concern in its regions of endemicity in West Africa. Previous infection with LASV protects from disease after subsequent exposure, providing a framework for designing vaccines to elicit similar protective immunity. Multiple major lineages of LASV circulate in West Africa, and therefore, ideal vaccine candidates should elicit immunity to all lineages. We therefore sought to identify common T cell epitopes between Lassa fever survivors from Sierra Leone and Nigeria, where distinct lineages circulate. We identified three such epitopes derived from highly conserved regions within LASV proteins. In this process, we also identified nine other T cell epitopes. These data should help in the design of an effective pan-LASV vaccine., Early and robust T cell responses have been associated with survival from Lassa fever (LF), but the Lassa virus-specific memory responses have not been well characterized. Regions within the virus surface glycoprotein (GPC) and nucleoprotein (NP) are the main targets of the Lassa virus-specific T cell responses, but, to date, only a few T cell epitopes within these proteins have been identified. We identified GPC and NP regions containing T cell epitopes and HLA haplotypes from LF survivors and used predictive HLA-binding algorithms to identify putative epitopes, which were then experimentally tested using autologous survivor samples. We identified 12 CD8-positive (CD8+) T cell epitopes, including epitopes common to both Nigerian and Sierra Leonean survivors. These data should be useful for the identification of dominant Lassa virus-specific T cell responses in Lassa fever survivors and vaccinated individuals as well as for designing vaccines that elicit cell-mediated immunity. IMPORTANCE The high morbidity and mortality associated with clinical cases of Lassa fever, together with the lack of licensed vaccines and limited and partially effective interventions, make Lassa virus (LASV) an important health concern in its regions of endemicity in West Africa. Previous infection with LASV protects from disease after subsequent exposure, providing a framework for designing vaccines to elicit similar protective immunity. Multiple major lineages of LASV circulate in West Africa, and therefore, ideal vaccine candidates should elicit immunity to all lineages. We therefore sought to identify common T cell epitopes between Lassa fever survivors from Sierra Leone and Nigeria, where distinct lineages circulate. We identified three such epitopes derived from highly conserved regions within LASV proteins. In this process, we also identified nine other T cell epitopes. These data should help in the design of an effective pan-LASV vaccine.

AIMS: The SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for cell entry. It has been suggested that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), which are commonly used in patients with hypertension or diabetes and may raise tissue ACE2 levels, could increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated this hypothesis in a consecutive cohort of 1200 acute inpatients with COVID-19 at two hospitals with a multi-ethnic catchment population in London (UK). The mean age was 68 ± 17 years (57% male) and 74% of patients had at least one comorbidity. Overall, 415 patients (34.6%) reached the primary endpoint of death or transfer to a critical care unit for organ support within 21 days of symptom onset. A total of 399 patients (33.3%) were taking ACEi or ARB. Patients on ACEi/ARB were significantly older and had more comorbidities. The odds ratio for the primary endpoint in patients on ACEi and ARB, after adjustment for age, sex and co-morbidities, was 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.47-0.84, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence for increased severity of COVID-19 in hospitalised patients on chronic treatment with ACEi or ARB. A trend towards a beneficial effect of ACEi/ARB requires further evaluation in larger meta-analyses and randomised clinical trials.

A recently published method to separate protein isoforms by means of a flat-bed agarose native gel was adapted for identifying simultaneously both acid and basic isoforms of plant peroxidases. These were evidenced by in situ activity staining using alternative substrates for which the isoforms showed specific preference. Such approach allowed the detection of a significantly higher number of horseradish peroxidases than the conventional methods based on sample separation by acrylamide gel and the single bands were clearer to observe. Samples recovered from different plant species and with variable level of purity were successfully analyzed for their peroxidase (POX) isoform pattern. We expect that the innovative electrophoretic methodology illustrated in this work will strongly improve the output of experiments that aim at relating the activity and expression variation of specific enzyme biomarkers with physiological and pathological conditions.

Lassa virus infects hundreds of thousands of people each year across rural West Africa, resulting in a high number of cases of Lassa fever (LF), a febrile disease associated with high morbidity and significant mortality. The lack of approved treatments or interventions underscores the need for an effective vaccine. At least four viral lineages circulate in defined regions throughout West Africa with substantial interlineage nucleotide and amino acid diversity. An effective vaccine should be designed to elicit Lassa virus specific humoral and cell mediated immunity across all lineages. Most current vaccine candidates use only lineage IV antigens encoded by Lassa viruses circulating around Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea but not Nigeria where lineages I-III are found. As previous infection is known to protect against disease from subsequent exposure, we sought to determine whether LF survivors from Nigeria and Sierra Leone harbor memory T cells that respond to lineage IV antigens. Our results indicate a high degree of cross-reactivity of CD8+ T cells from Nigerian LF survivors to lineage IV antigens. In addition, we identified regions within the Lassa virus glycoprotein complex and nucleoprotein that contributed to these responses while T cell epitopes were not widely conserved across our study group. These data are important for current efforts to design effective and efficient vaccine candidates that can elicit protective immunity across all Lassa virus lineages., Author summary Lassa virus (LASV), the causative agent of the hemorrhagic illness Lassa fever (LF), is found throughout West Africa. Humans are usually infected after contact with infected rodent excreta or aerosolized virus. The mortality rate among hospitalized LF cases is high and no effective treatments or vaccines exist. A vaccine effective against the four main lineages of LASV is needed to protect susceptible individuals across West Africa. To understand how this protection could occur, we examined the immune responses of LF survivors from two different regions of West Africa. As previous infection with Lassa virus protects from disease after subsequent exposure, the immune response of LF survivors provides a model of protective immunity that could be induced after vaccination. We found that LASV strains from lineages different from those that infected the LF survivors efficiently activated memory CD8+ T cell responses. We identified regions within LASV proteins that elicit memory responses in the majority of individuals. From these data, we propose that an effective vaccine that protects against lineages across West Africa should be designed to elicit memory CD8+ T cell responses in addition to antibody responses.

Caenorhabditis elegans is a model organism for the study of different molecular, biochemical, microbial and immunity-related mechanisms. In its natural habitat, C. elegans survives by feeding microorganisms (mainly bacteria), though majorly on Escherichia coli OP50 when grown in the laboratory. Numerous bacteria are shown to influence the lifespan, behavioural responses and innate immunity of C. elegans. The secondary metabolites produced by bacteria have shown to play key role in C. elegans longevity. This behaviour provides insights for potential development of new strategies for the treatment of diseases in other species, including humans. This review explains the concept of C. elegans microbiome, different mechanisms employed in its longevity and resistance against bacterial pathogens and the effects of various bacteria (both beneficial and harmful) as well as their products on the life cycle of C. elegans.

Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extract of Petiveria alliacea (PA) was the focus of this research work. The PA-AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier tra...

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped Proteobacteria isolate, MBT G8648T, was obtained from an acid curd cheese called Quargel. The isolate was moderately salt tolerant and motile, with numerous peritrichous flagella. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the strain belongs to the genus Halomonas , with 98.42 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Halomonas titanicae BH1T as nearest related neighbour. Further comparative sequence analysis of secA and gyrB genes, as well as physiological and biochemical tests, revealed that this bacterium formed a taxon well-separated from its nearest neighbours and other established Halomonas species. Thus, the strain represents a new species, for which the name Halomonas nigrificans sp. nov. is proposed, with strain MBT G8648T (=LMG 29097T =DSM 105749T) as type strain.

Drinking water contaminated with antibiotic resistant bacteria could result in loss of antibiotic effectiveness in humans, increased healthcare cost and ultimately death. New delaminated photocatalytic composite (DPC) has been prepared. DPC doped with Cu/Zn kept multidrug resistant (MDR) E. coli and its sulphonamide resistance genes in contaminated water at log reduction >6 for 36 h in two disinfection steps under visible-light using fixed-bed mode (downward flow). In contrast, fluoroquinolone resistance genes persisted in treated water after the first disinfection step and were significantly reduced after the second disinfection step. Surface oxygen vacancies were mainly responsible for photoactivity of DPC. No bacteria re-growth was observed in treated water stored in light/dark for 7 days. A 95 % photo-mineralisation of MDR E. coli and its genes was achieved via the release of superoxide radical (in dark/light). Shelf-life study of DPC vs non-delaminated photocatalytic composite over 7 months suggests that the former remained far more efficient than the latter.

There are growing demands for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using green technology approaches due to their cost-effective and eco-friendly nature. Although, there are considerable number of research reports available related to biological means such as using plants, fungi, and bacteria-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles. In recent trends, synthesis of AgNPs using bacteria is considered most attractive, simple, green, and cost-effective source(s). This leads to the increase in the number of reports on AgNPs synthesized by different bacterial genera (both gram-positive and gram-negative) and species. The present review article describes the diversity of bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative) capable of synthesizing AgNPs and possible applications of AgNPs. Thus, increasing the number of bacteria for the synthesis of AgNPs will be helpful to combat pathogenic bacteria and will open doors for novel avenues and applications.

The conservation status of Vitellaria paradoxa in Kwara state was studied. The frequency ranged from 20% at Offa and Ilofa to100% at Jebba and Kaiama, as the shea tree occurred twice in the ten sampling points at Offa and Ilofa, but occurred in all sampled sites at Jebba and Kaiama. The highest tree mean density of 34 trees/ha was noted at Kaiama and the lowest at Offa 4 trees/ha. The overall mean densities of the species was 13.33 trees/ha. These show that Vitellaria paradoxa trees were more conserved towards the Northern part of the state than the Southern part. The majority of the trees were between (21-30 cm) diameter class, which indicated that they were saplings and very few were around (

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a soil-borne, thermo-acidophilic, endospore-forming bacterium which causes the spoilage of pasteurized fruit juices with the production of guaiacol taints. In this study the antimicrobial activity of poly dimethyl ammonium chloride (PDAC), an emerging disinfectant, against A. acidoterrestris was investigated. Initially, four bacteria isolates obtained from orchard soils were identified as A. acidoterrestris by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing followed by analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragments, which grouped the isolates into two genotypes. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis revealed the activity of vanillic-acid decarboxylase ( vdc ) in the A. acidoterrestris strains, as measured by the production of guaiacol from vanillic acid (VA), indicating the isolates’ spoilage potential. Subsequently, representative strains from the two RAPD types of A. acidoterrestris were treated with PDAC. Disc diffusion assay on YSG agar revealed that A. acidoterrestris strains ULAG14, ULAG15 and the type strain DSM 3922 T were sensitive to PDAC at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 20% and inhibition of endospore germination was observed after 5 min exposure. PDAC has an inhibitory effect against the vegetative cells and endospores of A. acidoterrestris under laboratory conditions; it may be potentially useful for industrial application in cleaning of fruits and production surfaces for quality control during the processing of tropical fruit juices.

The incidence of infertility in human is on the increase and the use of Roundup herbicide and presence of its residues in foodstuff is a major concern. This study therefore aim to assess the effect of Roundup on the reproductive capacity of 32 adult male albino rats randomized into 4 groups of 8 rats per group orally exposed to Roundup at 3.6mg/kg body weight(bw), 50.4mg/kgbw and 248.4mg/kgbw of glyphosate concentrations for 12 weeks while the control group was given distilled water. Serum level of reproductive hormone (testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin), oxidative stress indices in the testicular tissue, epididymal sperm morphology assessment and testicular histopathology of the rats were used as a diagnostic marker of reproductive dysfunction. Significant (p

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, a gram-negative bacteria identified as a foodborne pathogen causing severe disease is of great concern worldwide. The pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7 is due to the presence of some virulence factors and its ability to form biofilm which resist antimicrobial compounds, withstand harsh environmental condition and protects from the host immune responses. Formation of biofilm is a multistep process such as adhesion, cellular aggregation and productions of extracellular matrix in which colonies are embedded. There are high numbers of research in the discovery of natural and synthetic compounds which can attenuate the E. coli O157:H7 biofilm formation as well as suppress virulence-related genes. The present review article focuses on the steps involved in E. coli O157:H7 biofilm formation, factors associated with virulence and attenuation.

There is an increasing trend in the food industry on the Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation and inhibition. This is attributed to its easy survival on contact surfaces, resistance to disinfectants or antibiotics and growth under the stringent condition used for food processing and preservation thereby leading to food contamination products by direct or indirect exposure. Though, there is a lack of conclusive evidences about the mechanism of biofilm formation, in this review, the concept of biofilm formation and various chemical, physical, and green technology approaches to prevent or control the biofilm formed is discussed. State-of-the-art approaches ranging from the application of natural to synthetic molecules with high effectiveness and non-toxicity targeted at the different steps of biofilm formation could positively influence the biofilm inhibition in the future.

Fifty patients with unexplained fever and poor outcomes presented at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in Edo State, Nigeria, an area endemic for Lassa fever, between September 2018 - January 2019. After ruling out Lassa fever, plasma samples from these epidemiologically-linked cases were sent to the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, where we carried out metagenomic sequencing which implicated yellow fever virus (YFV) as the etiology of this outbreak. Twenty-nine of the 50 samples were confirmed positive for YFV by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), 14 of which resulted in genome assembly. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis revealed that these YFV sequences formed a tightly clustered clade more closely related to sequences from Senegal than sequences from earlier Nigerian isolates, suggesting that the YFV clade responsible for this outbreak in Edo State does not descend directly from the Nigerian YFV outbreaks of the last century, but instead reflects a broader diversity and dynamics of YFV in West Africa. Here we demonstrate the power of metagenomic sequencing for identifying ongoing outbreaks and their etiologies and informing real-time public health responses, resulting in accurate and prompt disease management and control.

The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin derivatives and their partners in southeastern Asia threatens malaria control and elimination efforts, and heightens the need for an alternative therapy. We have explored the distribution of P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) and multidrug-resistant gene 1 (Pfmdr-1) haplotypes 10 years following adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in a bid to investigate the possible re-emergence of Chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive parasites in Nigeria, and investigated the effect of these P. falciparum haplotypes on treatment outcomes of patients treated with ACTs. A total of 271 children aged < 5 years with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were included in this study. Polymorphisms on codons 72-76 of the Pfcrt gene and codon 86 and 184 of Pfmdr-1 were determined using the high resolution melting (HRM) assay. Of 240 (88.6%) samples successfully genotyped with HRM for Pfcrt, wildtype C(72)M(74)N(75)K(76) (42.9%) and mutant C(72)I(74)E(75)T(76) (53.8%) were observed. Also, wildtype N(86)Y(184) (62.9%) and mutant N(86)F(184) (21.1%), Y(86)Y(184) (6.4%), and Y(86)F(184) (0.4%) haplotypes of Pfmdr-1 were observed. Measures of responsiveness to ACTs were similar in children infected with P. falciparum crt haplotypes (C(72)I(74)E(75)T(76) and C(72)M(74)N(75)K(76)) and major mdr-1 haplotypes (N(86)Y(184), N(86)F(184) and Y(86)Y(184)). Despite a 10 year gap since the malaria treatment policy changed to ACTs, over 50% of the P. falciparum parasites investigated in this study harboured the CQ-resistant C(72)I(74)E(75)T(76) haplotype, however this did not compromise the efficacy of ACTs. Should complete artemisinin resistance emerge from or spread to Nigeria, chloroquine might not be a good alternative therapy.

The genomes of predominant Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii strains from fermented nono were sequenced. The genome sizes were 2.1, 1.9, and 1.7 Mbp, respectively, and the GC contents were 36.5%, 51.5%, and 49.7%, respectively. Annotation revealed some genes for bacteriocin and for the potential production of aroma compounds.

The occurrence of conflicting reports on the improvement of male reproductive function among humans fed diet containing the seed of Mucuna pruriens (MP) have raised a major concern in Nigeria. We assessed the effect of MP seed powder on the reproductive function in 32 adult male albino rats randomized to 4 groups of 8 rats each for 8 weeks. Group 1 (control) was given standard rat chow while groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed diets containing MP seed powder at 0.75 g, 1.5 g and 2.25 g respectively. Serum level of follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, oxidative stress markers in the testis, epididymal sperm quality and cytoarchitectural structure of the testis were monitored using standard methods. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the serum levels of all the hormones, testicular antioxidant defence, epididymal sperm quality without testicular degenerative changes were observed in group 2 compared to other groups. Oxidative stress, severe degenerative architectural lesions in the testis as well as significant reductions (p < 0.05) in epididymal sperm count, percentage motility and significant (p < 0.05) increased in abnormal sperm cells were observed in group 4. MP seed enhances reproductive function in male rats only at a dose level of 0.75g. A dose value higher than 0.75 g may be toxic to the male reproductive system.

In non-anaemic children with malaria, early-appearing anaemia (EAA) is common following artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs) and it may become persistent (PEAA). The factors contributing to and kinetics of resolution of the deficit in haematocrit from baseline (DIHFB) characteristic of ACTs-related PEAA were evaluated in 540 consecutive children with malaria treated with artemether-lumefantrine, artesunate-amodiaquine or dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. Asymptomatic PEAA occurred in 62 children. In a multiple logistic regression model, a duration of illness ≤3 days before presentation, haematocrit Trial registration: Pan Africa Clinical Trial Registration PACTR201709002064150, 1 March 2017 http://www.pactr.org

Ethnopharmacological relevance Erythrophleum ivorense (A Chev.) is a common plant in the tropics. Its use as ordeal poison in folklore medicine is controversial. The incoordination and behavioral changes following consumption are often associated with guilt. This study is aimed at dispelling or upholding this belief by investigating the actions of E. ivorense on the brain and behavior using rat model. Materials and methods Sixty male Wistar rats were equally divided into five groups; control group received distilled water, test groups were administered 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg ethanolic extract of E. ivorense in a daily oral dose for 28 days. Cognition (Morris water maze) depression (forced swim test), motor function (hanging wire and inverted wire mesh grid grip tests) and exploratory assessments were done. Brains were stained with H&E, Cresyl violet and immunohistochemistry was done using GFAP, anticalbindin-D28k, Iba-1 and MBP antibodies. Results At all doses, E. ivorense significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased escape latency in the Morris water maze compared to control. Forced swim test showed a dose-related increase in duration of immobility, significant reduction in hanging latency in hanging wire and wire mesh grid grip test was also observed. Depletion of Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and hippocampal neurons was observed with H&E and cresyl violet. Immuno-staining revealed astrocytic activation in the cerebellum, loss of dendritic spines, cortical microglial activation and demyelination in the cerebellum and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Conclusion The ethanolic extract of E. ivorense stem bark caused a dose-dependent deficit in learning, memory and motor coordination with evidences of depression in rats. It is concluded that the plant is neurotoxic and induce several neurobehavioral changes.

Cypermethrin (CYP), a synthetic pyrethroid is a common environmental toxicant owing to its wide usage as a broad-spectrum insecticide. Its exposure to non-target organisms, including man, elicits numerous adverse effects making it a major public health issue. Epicatechin (EC) has proven anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective efficacy of epicatechin with regards to altered oxidative and inflammatory parameters subsequent to CYP treatment in rats. Animals were divided into four groups. The first group served as the control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were orally treated with EC (30 mg kg−1 body weight), CYP (25 mg kg−1 body weight), and CYP plus EC, respectively. Oral administration of CYP for 14 days increased the levels of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, and advanced oxidized protein products in the liver and kidney. These were accompanied by a decrease in glutathione and total antioxidant capacity levels. The activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase was increased while catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in these organs. Moreover, CYP increased plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The plasma content of the nitrative nucleic acid marker, 8-nitroguanine was also markedly elevated by CYP. Administration of EC to CYP-exposed rats mitigated the induced oxidative and inflammatory effects. These data suggest that EC can attenuate the toxic effects induced by CYP exposure.