The effects and mechanisms of Paenibacillus polymyxa Sx3 on growth promotion and the suppression of bacterial leaf blight in rice were evaluated in this study. The results from a plate assay ...indicated that Sx3 inhibited the growth of 20 strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Rice seedling experiments indicated that Sx3 promoted plant growth and suppressed bacterial leaf blight. In addition, bacteriological tests showed that Sx3 was able to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate and produce indole acetic acid, indicating that various mechanisms may be involved in the growth promotion by Sx3. The culture filtrate of P. polymyxa Sx3 reduced bacterial growth, biofilm formation and disrupted the cell morphology of Xoo strain GZ 0005, as indicated by the transmission and scanning electron microscopic observations. In addition, MALDI‐TOF MS analysis revealed that Sx3 could biosynthesize two types of secondary metabolites fusaricidins and polymyxin P. In summary, this study clearly indicated that P. polymyxa Sx3 has strong in vitro and in vivo antagonistic activity against Xoo, which may be at least partially attributed to its production of secondary metabolites.
Significance and Impact of the Study
Antagonistic bacteria can grow well in their originating environment. However, it is unclear whether antagonistic bacteria were able to survive in different ecological environments. This study revealed that Paenibacillus polymyxa Sx3 isolated from rhizosphere soil of cotton significantly promoted the plant growth and suppressed bacterial leaf blight in rice. Therefore, it could be inferred that P. polymyxa Sx3 has the potential to be used as biocontrol agents in plants grown in different ecological environments.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Antagonistic bacteria can grow well in their originating environment. However, it is unclear whether antagonistic bacteria were able to survive in different ecological environments. This study revealed that Paenibacillus polymyxa Sx3 isolated from rhizosphere soil of cotton significantly promoted the plant growth and suppressed bacterial leaf blight in rice. Therefore, it could be inferred that P. polymyxa Sx3 has the potential to be used as biocontrol agents in plants grown in different ecological environments.
Aims
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antagonistic activity of halotolerant bacteria against rice brown stripe pathogen Acidovorax oryzae.
Methods and Results
Fifteen of 136 isolates of ...halotolerant bacteria exhibited strong in vitro and in vivo antagonistic activity against both strains of A. oryzae. The 15 antagonistic isolates were identified as ‘operational group Bacillus amyloliquefaciens’ based on physiological and biochemical features, fatty acid profiles as well as sequence analysis of 16S rRNA, gyrA and rpoB genes. Furthermore, this result indicated that the most effective antagonistic isolates K5‐3 and PPB6 could produce siderophore in iron‐limiting medium, and four kinds of secondary metabolites based on MALDI‐TOF analysis. In addition, the culture filtrates of isolates K5‐3 and PPB6 caused the damage of cell membrane evidenced by the TEM images, and resulted in 73–80% reduction in cell numbers, 55–65% reduction in biofilm formation, and 42–50% reduction in swimming ability of both strains of A. oryzae.
Conclusions
These isolates in particular K5‐3 and PPB6 of halotolerant bacteria markedly inhibited the growth of A. oryzae.
Significance and Impact of the Study
To our knowledge, this is the first report on biological control of halotolerant bacteria against bacterial brown stripe of rice.
Leachate from solid waste has been identified as a major source of pollution that threatens groundwater resources worldwide. Thus, the leachate contamination status and the heavy metals health risk ...assessment of the Emirin dumpsite were investigated using integrated Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and hydrochemical methods. The ERI survey comprised four 2-D profiles created with a dipole-dipole electrode array and a minimum electrode spacing of 5 m. Also, groundwater samples were collected from five wells around the dumpsite for hydrochemical analysis and the groundwater hydrochemical facies and irrigation parameters were evaluated. The health risk associated with heavy metals ingestion were as well assessed using health risk parameters such as average daily intake (ADIing), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). The inverted model from the ERI survey reveals thread of leachate incursion from the dumpsite identified as low resistivity signatures (<20 Ωm) within the thin porous overburden units overlying the fresh bedrock. Results of hydrochemical analysis reveal that the groundwater comprises of cations (K+>Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+) and anions (Cl−>HCO3−>SO42−) in relative abundance. Most physicochemical contents fall within the admissible World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water and the groundwater hydrochemical facie reveals sodium-bicarbonate-chloride water type. However, the concentrations of nickel, iron, lead and chromium reported in this study are higher than the WHO prescribed standards, indicating that the groundwater is deteriorating, which could be attributed to leachate incursion from the nearby dumpsite. Irrigation indices suggest that groundwater sourced from the study area is suitable for agricultural purposes. The sequence of HQ due to heavy metals follows the order of Cr>Pb>Cu>Mn>Zn>Ni>Fe for both age population considered. While the HI values were estimated to be 1.93 for adults and 8.97 for children, implying that adults and children in the study area are prone to non-carcinogenic health challenges.
In recent years, utilization of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) is upgrading not only in their culinary use and human nutrition, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry and veterinary ...practices. This is driven by accumulating evidence that support the ethnobotanical use of this plant; in particular, advanced knowledge of the content of nutritional, medicinal and techno-functional bioactive ingredients. Herein, we discuss polyphenolic compounds as the main bioactive ingredients in Rhus coriaria L., which contribute mainly to the significance and utility of this spice. Most of the antioxidant potential and therapeutic roles of sumac are increasingly attributed to its constituent tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Hydroxyphenyl pyranoanthocyanins and other anthocynins are responsible for the highly desired red pigments accounting for the strong pigmentation capacity and colorant ability of sumac. Certain polyphenols and the essential oil components are responsible for the peculiar flavor and antimicrobial activity of sumac. Tannin-rich sumac extracts and isolates are known to enhance the food quality and the oxidative stability of animal products such as meat and milk. In conclusion, polyphenol-rich sumac extracts and its bioactive ingredients could be exploited towards developing novel food products which do not only address the current consumers’ interests regarding organoleptic and nutritional value of food, but also meet the growing need for ‘clean label’ as well as value addition with respect to antioxidant capacity, disease prevention, and health promotion in humans.
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-COV-2 has raised myriad of global concerns. There is currently no FDA approved antiviral strategy to alleviate the disease burden. The ...conserved 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL
pro
), which controls coronavirus replication is a promising drug target for combating the coronavirus infection. This study screens some African plants derived alkaloids and terpenoids as potential inhibitors of coronavirus 3CL
pro
using in silico approach. Bioactive alkaloids (62) and terpenoids (100) of plants native to Africa were docked to the 3CL
pro
of the novel SARS-CoV-2. The top twenty alkaloids and terpenoids with high binding affinities to the SARS-CoV-2 3CL
pro
were further docked to the 3CL
pro
of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The docking scores were compared with 3CL
pro
-referenced inhibitors (Lopinavir and Ritonavir). The top docked compounds were further subjected to ADEM/Tox and Lipinski filtering analyses for drug-likeness prediction analysis. This ligand-protein interaction study revealed that more than half of the top twenty alkaloids and terpenoids interacted favourably with the coronaviruses 3CL
pro
, and had binding affinities that surpassed that of lopinavir and ritonavir. Also, a highly defined hit-list of seven compounds (10-Hydroxyusambarensine, Cryptoquindoline, 6-Oxoisoiguesterin, 22-Hydroxyhopan-3-one, Cryptospirolepine, Isoiguesterin and 20-Epibryonolic acid) were identified. Furthermore, four non-toxic, druggable plant derived alkaloids (10-Hydroxyusambarensine, and Cryptoquindoline) and terpenoids (6-Oxoisoiguesterin and 22-Hydroxyhopan-3-one), that bind to the receptor-binding site and catalytic dyad of SARS-CoV-2 3CL
pro
were identified from the predictive ADME/tox and Lipinski filter analysis. However, further experimental analyses are required for developing these possible leads into natural anti-COVID-19 therapeutic agents for combating the pandemic.
Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
With the rapid growth of Nigeria's older population, it has become important to establish age-friendly healthcare systems that support care for older people. This study aimed to explore the barriers ...and facilitators to the delivery of age-friendly health services from the perspectives of primary healthcare managers in Lagos State, Nigeria.
We conducted 13 key informant interviews including medical officers of health, principal officers of the (Primary Health Care) PHC Board and board members at the state level. Using a grounded theory approach, qualitative data analysis was initially done by rapid thematic analysis followed by constant comparative analysis using Dedoose software to create a codebook. Three teams of two coders each blind-coded the interviews, resolved coding discrepancies, and reviewed excerpts by code to extract themes.
The main barriers to the delivery of age-friendly services included the lack of recognition of older adults as a priority population group; absence of PHC policies targeted to serve older adults specifically; limited training in care of older adults; lack of dedicated funding for care services for older adults and data disaggregated by age to drive decision-making. Key facilitators included an acknowledged mission of the PHCs to provide services for all ages; opportunities for the enhancement of older adult care; availability of a new building template that supports facility design which is more age-friendly; access to basic health care funds; and a positive attitude towards capacity building for existing workforce.
While we identified a number of challenges, these offer opportunities to strengthen and prioritize services for older adults in PHCs and build on existing facilitators. Work is needed to identify and test interventions to overcome these challenges and improve the responsiveness of the PHC system to older adults through the delivery of age-friendly health services in PHCs in Lagos, Nigeria.
Malnutrition is a major threat to the world's public health. While under-nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies persist, obesity is increasing worldwide. Although malnutrition has been extensively ...researched among children, it has become of increasing concern among adults because of the relative increase in the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
This study was conducted to determine the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits and nutritional status of adults in an urban community in Lagos State.
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 320 adults selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires and standard anthropometric measurements. Chi-square analysis was used to compare prevalence between categories.
Only 15.9% of respondents had good nutritional knowledge. The dietary habits and estimated nutrient intake showed a deficiency of fiber, energy and most micro-nutrients with the exception of zinc, iron and vitamin A. Dietary carbohydrate, protein as well as sodium levels were elevated. BMI findings estimated the prevalence of overweight at 24.8% and obesity at 17.3%. However, there was no statistically significant association observed between nutritional knowledge and status of respondents.
Nutritional knowledge was poor and obesity was relatively high among participants. Improved nutrition education intervention is necessary to increase knowledge and reduce obesity among adults living in urban communities in Lagos, Nigeria.
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the world, causing deaths in different countries. Fortunately, production of its vaccine has brought some tranquillity, and Nigeria was not left behind. This ...study aimed to determine the role of knowledge and perception towards the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine amidst undergraduate students of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 170 students at the University of Lagos using a multi-stage sampling method. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demography, knowledge, perception, acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Data were analysed utilising SPSS Version 26. The level of significance was at P < 0.05. Results: Majority of respondents 125 (73.5%) had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine and 87 (51.2%) respondents attributed source of information to social media. Although many 99 (58.2%) respondents had positive perceptions of the vaccine, few 16 (9.4%) had taken the vaccine. Less than quarter 24 (22.1%) planned to receive COVID-19 vaccine while majority 120 (77.9%) had no plans to, cite safety concerns. There was a statistically significant association between age (P = 0.001), level of training (P = 0.034) and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion and Recommendations: The level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccine was poor amongst undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Lagos. Age and level of training of respondents were factors associated with poor uptake. It is recommended that the section of university responsible for sharing of information amongst students organises risk communication activities targeted at specific areas about COVID-19 vaccine to improve vaccine uptake amongst students.
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) accounts for 90% of all new paediatric HIV infections in Nigeria and for approximately 30% of the global burden. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of ...a training model that incorporated case managers working closely with traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to ensure linkage to care for HIV-positive pregnant women.
This study was a 3-arm parallel design cluster randomized controlled trial in Ifo and Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed a random sampling technique to allocate three distinct TBA associations as clusters. Cluster 1 received training exclusively; Cluster 2 underwent training in addition to the utilization of case managers, and Cluster 3 served as a control group. In total, 240 TBAs were enrolled in the study, with 80 participants in each of the intervention and control groups. and were followed up for a duration of 6 months. We employed a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical test to evaluate the differences between baseline and endline HIV knowledge scores and PMTCT practices. Additionally, bivariate analysis using the chi-square test was used to investigate linkage to care. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify TBA characteristics associated with various PMTCT interventions, including the receipt of HIV test results and repeat testing at term for HIV-negative pregnant women. The data analysis was performed using Stata version 16.1.877, and we considered results statistically significant when p values were less than 0.05.
At the end of this study, there were improvements in the TBAs' HIV and PMTCT-related knowledge within the intervention groups, however, it did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The referral of pregnant clients for HIV testing was highest (93.5%) within cluster 2 TBAs, who received both PMTCT training and case manager support (p ≤ 0.001). The likelihood of HIV-negative pregnant women at term repeating an HIV test was approximately 4.1 times higher when referred by TBAs in cluster 1 (AOR = 4.14; 95% CI 2.82-5.99) compared to those in the control group and 1.9 times in cluster 2 (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.3-2.89) compared to the control group. Additionally, older TBAs (OR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.26-2.1) and TBAs with more years of experience in their practice (OR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.09-1.93) were more likely to encourage retesting among HIV-negative women at term.
The combination of case managers and PMTCT training was more effective than training alone for TBAs in facilitating the linkage to care of HIV-positive pregnant women, although this effect did not reach statistical significance. Larger-scale studies to further investigate the benefits of case manager support in facilitating the linkage to care for PMTCT of HIV are recommended.
The study was retrospectively registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, and it was assigned the unique identification number PACTR202206622552114.
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