ABSTRACT
In this study, different extract fractions (aqueous, ethanol, methanol, hexane, diethyl ether and chloroform) of Sapium ellipticum (SE) leaf obtained by cold extraction method were screened for phytochemicals, and antimicrobial sensitivity. The percentage yield of extract was highest in methanol fraction (22.8%) and lowest in chloroform (3.64%). Flavonoids, steroids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides were collectively observed in the fractions. More phytochemicals were observed in ethanol fraction than other fractions. Quantitative estimation of the powdered leaf sample showed 10.8±0.54% flavonoids, 9.24±0.12% alkaloids, 7.26±1.01% tannins, 1.63±0.14% glycosides and 74.2±3.12mgGAE/g total phenols. Eight human pathogenic microbes (four bacteria, three fungi and yeast) were used to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity of the different extract fractions using agar well diffusion method. A broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy was observed in the relatively more polar fractions (ethanol, methanol and aqueous), with ethanol having the highest potency (minimum inhibitory concentration range of 6.25-50 mgmL-1) on the microorganism strains for which the fractions were reactive. Conversely, the less polar fractions (diethyl ether, chloroform and hexane) were largely resisted by the microbial isolates. Only methanol and ethanol fractions were effective against yeast growth. Except for penicillin camemberti which was slightly sensitive to ethanol extract, the fungal isolates generally resisted the investigated fractions. Overall, findings from this study indicates that polar solvents extracts of Sapium ellipticum, particular ethanol fraction are rich in arrays of phytochemicals, and are capable of eliciting strong antibacterial activities, as much as 113-375% potency in comparison to Sensitive Disk Test (SDT) containing known antimicrobial drugs such as Ofloxacine (OFL), Gentamycin (GEN), Chloramphenicol (CHL), Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and cephalexin (CXC).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality in developing countries. Accurate and quick diagnosis are difficult because clinical presentation are non-specific; bacterial cultures are time-consuming and other laboratory tests lack sensitivity and specificity. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) has been proposed as an early marker of infections in neonates. Objectives: This study investigated the value of PCT in the diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis.Methods: Neonates undergoing sepsis evaluation at the Special Baby Care Unit; Federal Medical Centre; Abeokuta; Nigeria between January and April 2013 were included. Blood samples were obtained for white cell count; blood cultures; serum CRP and PCT analysis. Neonates were categorised into Proven Sepsis; Suspected Sepsis and Clinical Sepsis groups on the basis of laboratory findings and risk factors. A control group with no clinical and biological data of infection was also included. Predictive values and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of PCT were evaluated.Result: Of the 85 neonates; 19 (22.4%) had positive blood culture. PCT level was significantly higher in neonates in all sepsis groups in comparison with those in the control group (P 0.05). At a cut-off of 0.5 ng/ml; the negative predictive value (NPV) of PCT was 80% and the positive predictive value (PPV) 39%. There were no significant statistical difference between the AUC values of PCT in Early onset and Late onset sepsis; as well between AUC in Preterm and term cases. A higher percentage of neonates who died (96%) had elevated PCT levels compared to those who survived (46%).Conclusion: These findings support the usefulness of the PCT in diagnosis of Neonatal sepsis
Subject(s)
Infant Health , Sepsis , Sepsis/diagnosisABSTRACT
Paraquat (PQ) is a toxic chemical that is widely used as an herbicide in developing countries. It has been described as a major suicide agent, thus leading to its ban or restriction in use by Environmental Protection Agency in some countries. There is no known chelating agent or antidote for PQ. This study investigated protective effects of antioxidant vitamins C, E and its combination in both pre-treatments and post-treatments. Pre-treatment of rats with vitamins C, E and C+E gave survival rates of 40%, 20%and 20% respectively while post-treatment gave 80%, 20% and 20% respectively when lethal dose (150mg/Kg) of PQ was administered. However, when sub-lethal dose (75mg/Kg) was administered, biochemical investigations revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in cholesterol, SOD, CAT, POD and GPx activities, decreased total protein and triglyceride in PQ treated rats. The extent of lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was more pronounced in the lung than in the liver. Histopathological investigations revealed proliferation of the bile duct and severe centrilobular necrosis in the liver and severe haemorrhage in the lungs of rats treated with PQ alone compared to the control. No visible lesion except hepatic regeneration and mild congestion of the liver and kidney of vitamin C post-treated rats were observed. The results also provided some evidence in respect of the potency of vitamin C post-treatment in conferring some level of protection against PQ-induced oxidative stress by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities.