Search

It remains unclear how the collective strong coupling of cavity-confined photons to the electronic transitions of molecular chromophore leverages the distinct properties of the polaritonic constituents for future technologies. In this study, we design, fabricate, and characterize multiple types of Fabry-Pérot (FP) mirco-resonators containing copper(II) tetraphenyl porphyrin (CuTPP) to show how cavity polariton formation affects radiative relaxation processes in the presence of substantial non-Condon vibronic coupling between two of this molecule’s excited electronic states. Unlike the prototypical enhancement of Q state radiative relaxation of CuTPP in a FP resonator incapable of forming polaritons, we find the light emission processes in multimode cavity polariton samples become enhanced for cavity-exciton energy differences near those of vibrations known to mediate non-Condon vibronic coupling. We propose the value of this detuning is consistent with radiative relaxation of Herzberg-Teller polaritons into collective molecular states coupled to the cavity photon coherently. We contrast the feature stemming from light emission from the HT polariton state with those that occur due to polariton-enhanced light absorption. Our results demonstrate the landscape of molecular and photonic interactions enabled by cavity polariton formation using complex chromophores and how researchers can design resonators to leverage these interactions to characterize and control polaritonic properties.

Abstract The stalk of banana is an abundant biomass that can be sustainably converted into bioenergy, biofuels, biosorbents, animal feeds and fibers. The moisture content of freshly harvested banana stalk is high, so drying is essential before its storage and prior to some of the conversion processes. Hence, solar and open sun drying characteristics of banana stalk chips were investigated. Untreated (5, 10 and 15 mm thick) and pretreated (hot water, salt water and sulphite) banana stalk chips were dehydrated in a solar dryer and directly in sunlight. The data were fitted to twelve drying models. The moisture diffusivities were also evaluated. Banana stalk dried mainly in the falling-rate phase and the rate of drying increased with decreasing chip thickness. However, the chips dried slower in direct sunlight compared to the solar dryer. The pretreatments significantly (P

Background: The emphasis on sustainable good health through the consumption of a healthy diet has necessitated the consumption of fresh vegetables, which could harbour the presence of members of the Enterobacteriaceae, antibiotic resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). As a result, this study investigated the presence of antibiotics resistance (AR) and ESBL in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from garden eggs. Methodology: One hundred (100) garden egg samples were randomly purchased from 10 different vendors into sterile bags. Samples were serially diluted and cultured on MacConkey agar for the isolation of Enterobacteriaceae, then characterised and identified. Antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out on isolates following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Double disc synergy test (DDST) was used to detect ESBL production. Result: Forty-three isolates were identified to belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae with Klebsiella spp. being the most dominant specie (51.16%), Escherichia coli (30.23%), Salmonella (11.23%) and Enterobacter aerogenes (6.98%). Of all the isolates, (65.12%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR). The isolates showed highest frequency of resistance to erythromycin (90.7%), gentamicin (34.9%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (32.6%), ofloxacin (30.2%), ciprofloxacin (25.6%), imipenem (14%), ceftriaxone (11.6%) and nalidixic acid (0.0%). For ESBL production, 23(53.49%) were positive. The ESBL positive isolates (n=23) were Klebsiella spp. 14(60.87%) and Escherichia coli 9 (39.13%). No ESBL production was detected in Salmonella spp. and Enterobacter aerogenes isolates. Conclusion: This study detected the presence of AR and ESBL in Enterobacteriaceae from garden eggs. Consumption of garden eggs contaminated with these bacteria pose a potential problem of infection and spread of resistance in the environment through food.

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major pathogen implicated in healthcare-associated infections. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates are a public health concern. This study investigated the existence of some ESBL and carbapenemase genes among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae in Southwest Nigeria and additionally determined their circulating clones. Materials and Methods: Various clinical samples from 420 patients from seven tertiary hospitals within Southwestern Nigeria were processed between February 2018 and July 2019. These samples were cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar, and the isolated bacteria were identified by Microbact GNB 12E. All K. pneumoniae were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the 16s rRNA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was done on these isolates, and the PCR was used to evaluate the common ESBL-encoding genes and carbapenem resistance genes. Genotyping was performed using multi-locus sequencing typing (MLST). Results: The overall prevalence of K. pneumoniae in Southwestern Nigeria was 30.5%. The AST revealed high resistance rates to tetracyclines (67.2%), oxacillin (61.7%), ampicillin (60.2%), ciprofloxacin (58.6%), chloramphenicol (56.3%), and lowest resistance to meropenem (43.0%). All isolates were susceptible to polymyxin B. The most prevalent ESBL gene was the TEM gene (47.7%), followed by CTX-M (43.8%), SHV (39.8%), OXA (27.3%), CTX-M-15 (19.5%), CTX-M-2 (11.1%), and CTX-M-9 (10.9%). Among the carbapenemase genes studied, the VIM gene (43.0%) was most detected, followed by OXA-48 (28.9%), IMP (22.7%), NDM (17.2%), KPC (13.3%), CMY (11.7%), and FOX (9.4%). GIM and SPM genes were not detected. MLST identified six different sequence types (STs) in this study. The most dominant ST was ST307 (50%, 5/10), while ST258, ST11, ST147, ST15, and ST321 had (10%, 1/10) each. Conclusion: High antimicrobial resistance in K. pneumoniae is a clear and present danger for managing infections in Nigeria. Additionally, the dominance of a successful international ST307 clone highlights the importance of ensuring that genomic surveillance remains a priority in the hospital environment in Nigeria.

Background: The toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1) is important in the pathology of toxic shock syndrome. However, little data exist on its prevalence among clinical isolates of S. aureus in Nigeria. Hence, this study was carried out to detect the tsst-1 gene and associate it with phenotypic antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of S. aureus. Methods: Staphylococcus aureus isolates were presumptively identified by Gram’s staining and conventional biochemical tests while confirmatory identification was through the detection of the thermonuclease (nuc) gene. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was carried out using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method while phenotypic detection of methicillin resistance was carried out using the cefoxitin disc sensitivity assay. The tst gene was detected within the genome of the bacterial isolates using Uniplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of the 152 S. aureus isolates identified in this study, 103 (67.76%) encoded the tst gene. Of these 103 tst-positive isolates, 63 (61.16%) were methicillin-resistant while 40 (38.84%) were methicillin-sensitive. The tst-positive isolates (n=103) were resistant to tetracycline (39.81%), erythromycin (24.27%), gentamicin (22.33%), cotrimoxazole (22.33%), ciprofloxacin (21.36%), fusidic acid (16.5%), fosfomycin (10.68%), and clindamycin (5.82%). Comparatively, tst-negative isolates (n=49) were resistant to tetracycline (69.39%), cotrimoxazole (56.06%), gentamicin (53.06%), ciprofloxacin (51.02%), erythromycin (46.94%), fusidic acid (28.57%), fosfomycin (26.53%), and clindamycin (8.16%). Phenotypic antibiotic resistance is significantly associated with the presence of the tst gene (p < /em>>0.05). Coclusion: Hence, the high prevalence of the tst gene and its association with antibiotic resistance in S. aureus is a cause for worry.

Abstract Background Exposure to cadmium is implicated in the etiology of some neurodegenerative diseases. Compounds isolated from Ipomoea cairica extract are neuroprotective. However, there is no reported neuroprotective activity of the crude extract of I. cairica (ICE). We investigated the neuroprotective activity of I. cairica extract against cadmium-induced biochemical changes in the brain of male Wistar rats. Thirty-six animals were divided into four groups of 9 animals per group: group I (Control); group II (3.5 mg/kg CdCl2); group III (100 mg/kg ICE + CdCl2); and group IV (250 mg/kg ICE + CdCl2). Animals were pretreated with 100 and 250 mg/kg ICE before co-administration with cadmium chloride. Results CdCl2 treatment caused a significant increase in acetylcholineesterase activity, lipid peroxidation, beta-amyloid aggregation, caspase 3 and 9, p53, and glutamate concentration. In addition, CdCl2 caused a significant decrease in catalase activity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, Na+/K+ ATPase, and glutamate dehydrogenase. ICE was able to reduce the neuronal damaging effect of CdCl2 by acting as an antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anticholinesterase, and antiexcitotoxicity. Conclusions Our findings show that Ipomoea cairica leaf can be developed and included in the natural product in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent nosocomial pathogen that causes severe disease in many clinical and community settings. The objective of this paper was to isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa from clinical samples and to investigate the occurrence of metallo β- lactamase enzyme production by collecting 145 males and 90 females’ human clinical specimens from five selected health institutions within Kwara state, Nigeria. The samples were cultured immediately using standard microbiological procedures. Multiple drug resistance patterns of the bacteria to different antibiotics were determined using the Bauer Kirby disc diffusion technique. Metallo – β lactamase production was determined using E – test strip. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. A total of 145 isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the clinical samples.Thirty were positive for metallo β lactamase production; 11 (8 %) males and 19 (13 %) females. Absolute resistance to ceftazidime (100 %), gentamicin (100 %), ceftriaxone (100 %) were observed while low resistance to ciprofloxacin (12.4 %), piperacillin (6.9 %) and imipenem (6.9 %). All isolates were sensitive to colistin. This study had demonstrated that there is a high occurrence of metallo β lactamase enzyme producing and antibiotic-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa in clinical specimens from the studied area. Necessary measures must be implemented to stop the problems of this antibiotic resistance.

Purpose: This paper aimed to explore the concept of inclusive growth within Nigeria's socioeconomic framework, particularly in light of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 (NA2050), a strategic policy initiative. It seeks to understand Nigeria's multifaceted challenges and opportunities in achieving inclusive growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study reviewed secondary data sources including, reports from various agencies and institutions, and government data. It utilised thematic analysis to dissect and present insights into Nigeria's developmental trajectory as outlined by NA2050. Findings: Despite significant economic strides, Nigeria struggles with socio-economic disparities, marked by high unemployment, rising inflation, and infrastructural deficits. The NA2050 is a crucial framework advocating for robust governance, macroeconomic stability, economic diversification, and human capital development to overcome these challenges. Practical Implications: The study highlighted the essential roles of technological advancement and financial inclusion as key drivers of sustainable development and economic resilience in Nigeria. It calls for a multi-stakeholder approach to implement NA2050's strategies effectively, enhancing transparency in the oil sector, prioritising human capital development, and fostering private sector-led growth. Social Implications: This research emphasised the need for inclusive growth that benefits all societal layers in Nigeria, addressing the persistent socio-economic gaps that hinder equitable development and social cohesion. Originality and Value: The paper contributes to the discourse on inclusive growth by providing a pragmatic roadmap for Nigeria's socio-economic revitalisation, offering a detailed analysis of the strategies embedded in the NA2050 and their potential impact on the nation's future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emphasis on sustainable good health through the consumption of a healthy diet has necessitated the consumption of fresh vegetables, which could harbour the presence of members of the Enterobacteriaceae, antibiotic resistance and extendedspectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). As a result, this study investigated the presence of antibiotics resistance (AR) and ESBL in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from garden eggs. Methodology: One hundred (100) garden egg samples were randomly purchased from 10 different vendors into sterile bags. Samples were serially diluted and cultured on MacConkey agar for the isolation of Enterobacteriaceae, then characterised and identified. Antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out on isolates following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Double disc synergy test (DDST) was used to detect ESBL production. Result: Forty-three isolates were identified to belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae with Klebsiella spp. being the most dominant specie (51.16%), Escherichia coli (30.23%), Salmonella (11.23%) and Enterobacter aerogenes (6.98%). Of all the isolates, (65.12%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR). The isolates showed highest frequency of resistance to erythromycin (90.7%), gentamicin (34.9%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (32.6%), ofloxacin (30.2%), ciprofloxacin (25.6%), imipenem (14%), ceftriaxone (11.6%) and nalidixic acid (0.0%). For ESBL production, 23(53.49%) were positive. The ESBL positive isolates (n=23) were Klebsiella spp. 14(60.87%) and Escherichia coli 9 (39.13%). No ESBL production was detected in Salmonella spp. and Enterobacter aerogenes isolates. Conclusion: This study detected the presence of AR and ESBL in Enterobacteriaceae from garden eggs. Consumption of garden eggs contaminated with these bacteria pose a potential problem of infection and spread of resistance in the environment through food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1) is important in the pathology of toxic shock syndrome. However, little data exist on its prevalence among clinical isolates of S. aureus in Nigeria. Hence, this study was carried out to detect the tsst-1 gene and associate it with phenotypic antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of S. aureus. Methods: Staphylococcus aureus isolates were presumptively identified by Gram's staining and conventional biochemical tests while confirmatory identification was through the detection of the thermonuclease (nuc) gene. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was carried out using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method while phenotypic detection of methicillin resistance was carried out using the cefoxitin disc sensitivity assay. The tst gene was detected within the genome of the bacterial isolates using Uniplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of the 152 S. aureus isolates identified in this study, 103 (67.76%) encoded the tst gene. Of these 103 tst-positive isolates, 63 (61.16%) were methicillin-resistant while 40 (38.84%) were methicillin-sensitive. The tst-positive isolates (n=103) were resistant to tetracycline (39.81%), erythromycin (24.27%), gentamicin (22.33%), cotrimoxazole (22.33%), ciprofloxacin (21.36%), fusidic acid (16.5%), fosfomycin (10.68%), and clindamycin (5.82%). Comparatively, tst-negative isolates (n=49) were resistant to tetracycline (69.39%), cotrimoxazole (56.06%), gentamicin (53.06%), ciprofloxacin (51.02%), erythromycin (46.94%), fusidic acid (28.57%), fosfomycin (26.53%), and clindamycin (8.16%). Phenotypic antibiotic resistance is significantly associated with the presence of the tst gene (p<0.05) except for clindamycin and fusidic acid (p>0.05). Coclusion: Hence, the high prevalence of the tst gene and its association with antibiotic resistance in S. aureus is a cause for worry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown an increasing use of herbs concurrently with conventional drugs by patients with diabetes mellitus, with the attendant risks of herb-drug interactions. Hence, this study investigated the possible pharmacological interactions, and toxicological consequences of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) and metformin co-administered in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Model of type 2 diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by feeding them with high fat diet and a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Animals having blood glucose levels > 200 mg/dl after 72 hours were classified as diabetic and were randomly assigned to one of eleven (11) groups (n=5 rats) to receive VA extract, metformin or combination at various doses. Blood sample was taken for biochemical and haematological tests while Haemoxylin and Eosin (HE) dye was used to assess histological changes. Results showed a non-additive decrease in blood glucose levels in the VA/metformin co-administration compared to VA and metformin alone. The reduction in blood glucose in VA 50 mg/kg, VA/MET 150 mg/kg and VA 100 mg/kg groups ware -51.20%, -53.52% and -59.68% respectively. There was significant improvement in urea and creatinine levels as well as liver enzymes at all the doses of VA and VA/metformin co-administration. There were no significant histological changes either in the extract or its combination with metformin on the kidney, liver or pancreas. Hence, VA showed a non-additive interaction with metformin to reduce blood glucose levels with no toxicological effects on major organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous knowledge (IK), a key component of knowledge, is considered crucial in any country's knowledge system. However, despite the importance of indigenous knowledge in promoting the knowledge economy, it has been observed that many indigenous knowledge systems in developing countries such as Nigeria are gradually becoming extinct due to cultural, educational and economic developments. This paper investigated the preservation and use of indigenous knowledge in public libraries in Southwest Nigeria. A survey method anchored on the positivism paradigm was employed for the study. Based on this, copies of the questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. One hundred and fifty (150) library personnel were randomly selected from the five (5) purposely chosen public libraries in Southwest Nigeria. The study's findings revealed that educational purposes were the primary reason for using the indigenous knowledge in the libraries. It was also revealed that video and audio recordings were significant sources of preserving IK in public libraries. Access to IK resources by the users was through the use of ICT tools such as computers and compact discs, while inadequate funding was identified as the major challenge facing the development of IK. The study recommends, among others, increased budgetary allocation to public libraries for the management of IK resources; and that practical steps should be taken to create awareness on the need to preserve IK activities in video or audio formats. This study contributes to knowledge in IK development by providing new data and information relevant to policymaking and IK research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]