To evaluate the level of infestation of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, in the field, egg population densities are determined from soil samples. Sucrose centrifugation is a common technique for separating debris from the extracted SCN eggs. We have developed a procedure, however, that employs OptiPrep as a density gradient medium, with improved extraction and recovery of the eggs compared to the sucrose centrifugation technique. Also, we have built computerized methods t...
We address the current situation of population-wide and speedy testing for SARS-CoV-2 and review different technologies available, such as molecular and rapid antigen tests, serology and antibody tests, and tests for managing COVID-19 patients. We consider products authorized by the FDA to diagnose and detect COVID-19 infections. This review covers pooled testing, screening programs, and surveillance testing to enable quicker screening. We also discuss the potential challenges in terms of det...
We address the current situation of population-wide and speedy testing for SARS-CoV-2 and review different technologies available, such as molecular and rapid antigen tests, serology and antibody tests, and tests for managing COVID-19 patients. We consider products authorized by the FDA to diagnose and detect COVID-19 infections. This review covers pooled testing, screening programs, and surveillance testing to enable quicker screening. We also discuss the potential challenges in terms of det...
Bacterial populations grown in a lab environment are typically seen as homogeneous in terms of growth rate, size, and content. However, recent findings have shown that even during exponential growth phase, these cells can be heterogeneous. This has important consequences for how bacteria respond to stressors such as antibiotics. For example, the concept of antimicrobial persistence is linked to a small subpopulation of cells that enter a dormant state where antibiotics are no longer effective...
In this review, we focus on the hardware and software technologies used for the purpose of gastrointestinal tract monitoring in a safe and comfortable manner. We review the FDA guidelines for ingestible wireless telemetric medical devices, and the features incorporated in capsule systems such as microrobotics, closed-loop feedback, physiological sensing, nerve stimulation, sampling and delivery, panoramic imaging and rapid reading software. Both experimental and commercialized capsule systems...
A nonmechanical, unidirectional valve, the Nematode Electrotactic-Response Valve (NERV), has been developed to control the motion of Caenorhabditis elegant (C. elegans) in microfluidic devices. By forming a region of lateral electric field, which can be switched or reversed, the NERV prevents worms from advancing through it if the field lines are angled against the movement of the worms. Upon arriving at the boundary of the NERV, the worms penetrate the field area briefly and then retreat and...
It is becoming more essential to identify and recognize the phenotypes of anti-parasitic drug-resistant isolates. Current molecular methods of doing so are restricted. In this paper, we showcase a microfluidic bioassay to measure phenotype using parameters of nematode locomotion, using larvae of the animal parasite Oesophagostomum dentatum. Parameters of sinusoidal movement, including propagation speed, wavelength, wave amplitude, and oscillation frequency, were dependent on the levamisole-se...
ABSTRACT Introduction: This study is aimed at assessing the perceptions and attitudes towards caesarean section (CS) among women attending maternity care at the state Hospital Ijebu-ode Community. Methods: This is a descriptive study which involved all pregnant mothers using State Hospital Ijebu-Ode. They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic characteristics, previous pregnancy and delivery history as well as knowledge, perceptions and attitudes tow...
ABSTRACT A major challenge to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals is the shortage of health workers in the remote areas, especially in the developing countries where preventable disease burden is high. The aim of the study was to determine perceived factors contributing to non-stay of professional health workers in rural areas of Enugu state and strategies to retain them. The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study carried out in randomly selected heal...
ABSTRACT Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the most potent and widely used alkylating anticancer agents. Urotoxicity and myelosuppression is known as the most prevailing dose-limiting toxicity associated with CP. In the present study, the protective potential of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extracts in CP-induced urotoxicity and myelosupression were evaluated using biochemical and histopathological approaches. Sodium -2-macarptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) was used as a...
ABSTRACT Gallbladder stones are sometimes silent disease and often neglected, and could cause life threatening medical complications when it manifests clinically. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of gallbladder stone in the adult population of Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross sectional study was conducted during a period of 34 months; from June, 2011 to April, 2014. A convenience sample of 3501 consecutive consenting subjects who met the inclusion criteria was eval...
ABSTRACT The purposes of this study are to generate an indigenous normogram for ocular axial lengths in a Nigerian population, determine whether there are differences in axial lengths between the right and left eye and among different adult age groups. The study will also determine whether there are differences in axial lengths between males and females and possible racial differences between Nigerians and Caucasians. This prospective, cross sectional study involving one hundred (100) Nigeri...
ABSTRACT In a comprehensive study to assess the effects of botanicals and biocontrol agents on growth and aflatoxin (AF) production by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) infecting maize, a total of 1143 maize samples, collected in eighteen batches of five maize varieties (yellow, white, pop, variegated and mixed) from northern and southern parts of Nigeria were investigated between June 2011 to December 2013. Samples collected from field, 414 (36.2%) and stored batches, 729 (63.8%) were cultured...
ABSTRACT Test anxiety is an unpleasant state characterized by feelings of tension, apprehension, worrisome thoughts and the activation of the autonomic nervous system when an individual faces evaluative achievement-demanding situation. It is the uneasiness felt by students who had fear of failing an examination and/or test taking. This leads to hyper-arousal conditions that result in the physiological, emotional and intellectual changes that prevent the use of previously learned information ...
ABSTRACT This study investigated terminally ill patients’ opinion on communication of prognostic information by healthcare providers. It specifically determined the views of terminally ill patients on what healthcare providers communicated to them about their prognosis; which of the healthcare providers that communicates prognostic information to terminally ill patients; the condition under which healthcare providers communicate prognostic information to terminally ill patients and ascert...