Clay-Nanoarchitectures as Photocatalysts by In Situ Assembly of ZnO Nanoparticles and Clay Minerals.

ZnO-clay nanoarchitectures have been prepared by In Situ generation of ZnO nanoparticles from zinc acetylacetonate in isopropanol under reflux in the presence of organoclays. Two layered clays, a commercial Wyoming montmorillonite and a smectite from Gafsa (Tunisia), and a fibrous clay, sepiolite from Vallecas-Vicalvaro (Spain), modified with cetyltrimethylammonium ions were the organoclay substrates for assembling the formed nanoparticles. After a convenient thermal treatment, the organic matter is eliminated and the ZnO/clay nanoarchitectures consolidated. XRD, FE-SEM and TEM, among other characterization techniques confirmed the presence of the ZnO in wurtzite phase assembled to the clays in the final porous ZnO/clay nanoarchitectures. The activity as photocatalysts of the resulting materials was evaluated using ibuprofen as a model drug in view to explore the usefulness of these ZnO/clay nanoarchitectures in the removal of emergent pollutants in water.

Two-stage kinetics of field-induced aggregation of medium-sized magnetic nanoparticles.

The present paper is focused on the theoretical and experimental study of the kinetics of field-induced aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles of a size range of 20-100 nm. Our results demonstrate that (a) in polydisperse suspensions, the largest particles could play a role of the centers of nucleation for smaller particles during the earliest heterogeneous nucleation stage; (b) an intermediate stage of the aggregate growth (due to diffusion and migration of individual nanoparticles towards the aggregates) is weakly influenced by the magnetic field strength, at least at high supersaturation;

Wide-Field Lensing Mass Maps from Dark Energy Survey Science Verification Data.

We present a mass map reconstructed from weak gravitational lensing shear measurements over 139 deg2 from the Dark Energy Survey science verification data. The mass map probes both luminous and dark matter, thus providing a tool for studying cosmology. We find good agreement between the mass map and the distribution of massive galaxy clusters identified using a red-sequence cluster finder. Potential candidates for superclusters and voids are identified using these maps. We measure the cross-correlation between the mass map and a magnitude-limited foreground galaxy sample and find a detection at the 6.8σ level with 20 arc min smoothing. These measurements are consistent with simulated galaxy catalogs based on N-body simulations from a cold dark matter model with a cosmological constant. This suggests low systematics uncertainties in the map. We summarize our key findings in this Letter; the detailed methodology and tests for systematics are presented in a companion paper.

Molecular characterization of piebaldism in a Tunisian family.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is aimed at performing the molecular characterization of a Tunisian family with piebaldism. METHODS: As the proband and her mother showed a severe phenotype, we first chose to screen exons 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 18 of the KIT proto-oncogene by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Direct sequencing analysis showed a C to T substitution at 1939 in exon 13 (c.1939C>T) in heterozygous state in the patient and her mother. The mutation was not found in their unaffected family members or normal controls. CONCLUSION: Our results provide additional support that mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the KIT gene are responsible for the severe form of piebaldism.

Role of Probiotics in health improvement, infection control and disease treatment and management.

Research which concerns the usefulness of Probiotics show increasing interest based on the rise of their publications, products and the awareness of the public of their benefits. There is increasing interest concerning Probiotics from the public, researchers, governmental organizations (such as the WHO/FAO) and medicinal and food companies. Probiotics means "let good microbes work for you in different fields get their benefits and take a rest". Such work will include, food digestion, production of useful products to destroy the bad microbes, complement the functions of the missed digestive enzymes (due to missed or defective genes), and to maintain the digestive system's pH, and so on. Probiotics will augment the efficiency of our biological fermentors, the digestive system. Many authors have described the history and the progress of Probiotics and their different applications. In this review, we will focus mainly on three points, health improvement, infection control and disease management, which could be eliminated by the use of different types of direct uses of Probiotics or by the use of foods containing Probiotics.

Evaluation the surface antigen of the Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 ghosts prepared by "SLRP".

Recently, bacterial ghosts (BGs) were prepared using a protocol based on critical chemical concentrations. It has been given the name "sponge like" (SL) protocol and used in its reduced form "sponge like reduced protocol" (SLRP). While specific antibody for Salmonella is available on the market under the commercial names (of some kits) such as Febrile Antigen Kit (N.S. BIO-TEC), we used the described Kit to investigate the validity of the SLRP. In this study, using SLRP we succeeded to prepare STGs with correct surface antigens could interact with their specific antibodies. Additionally the study has included oral vaccination with STGs with challenge test. The rats serums have been evaluated against both of the O and H antigens. The antigen-antibody interaction (agglutination) results of both the SLRP and the animal experiments prove that we have correct STGs able to immunize the rats against viable Salmonella. STGs could be used as vaccine and as adjuvant and in the antibodies and in the diagnostic kits production. This study is an additional step for the establishment of correct BGs for immunological purposes.

Plackett-Burman randomization method for Bacterial Ghosts preparation form E. coli JM109.

Plackett-Burman randomization method is a conventional tool for variables randomization aiming at optimization. Bacterial Ghosts (BGs) preparation has been recently established using methods other than the E lysis gene. The protocol has been based mainly on using critical concentrations from chemical compounds able to convert viable cells to BGs. The Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Growth Concentration (MGC) were the main guide for the BGs preparation. In this study, Escherichia coli JM109 DEC has been used to produce the BGs following the original protocol. The study contained a detail protocol for BGs preparation that could be used as a guide.

Terahertz time-domain spectro-imaging and hyperspectral imagery to investigate a historical Longwy glazed ceramic.

In this paper, we present the potential of Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging (THz-TDI) as a tool to perform non-invasive 3D analysis of an ancient enamel plate manufactured by Longwy Company in France. The THz data collected in the reflection mode were processed using noise filtering procedures and an advanced imaging approach. The results validate the capability to identify glaze layers and the thickness of ceramic materials. To characterize the nature of the pigments, we also use with X-ray images, visible near-infrared hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, and p-XRF (portable X-ray fluorescence) to qualitatively and quantitively identify the materials used. The obtained information enables a better understanding of the decoration chromogens nature and, thus, to determine the color palette of the artists who produced such decorative object. We also establish the efficiency of a focus, Z-tracker, which enables to perform THz imaging on non-flat samples and to attenuate artifacts obtained with a short focus lens. Then, 3D images are extracted and generated, providing a real vision. We also report the evaluation of the internal damage state through the detection of fractures.

Antiherpetic efficacy of aqueous extracts of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira fusiformis from Chad.

Natural substances offer interesting pharmacological perspectives for antiviral drug development with regard to broad spectrum antiviral properties and novel modes of action. Drugs currently used to treat cutaneous or genital herpetic infections are effective in limiting disease, but the emergence of drug-resistant viruses in immunocompromised individuals can be problematic. A nontoxic cyanobacterium Arthrospira strain from Chad has been characterized by sequence analysis of the intergenic spacer region of the phycocyanin gene. This cyanobacterium was identified as Arthrospira fusiformis by phylogenetic tree analysis. The antiherpetic activity of crude aqueous extracts from the Chad A. fusiformis isolate was determined. Antiviral efficacy against herpes simplex virus of cold water extract, hot water extract and phosphate buffer extract was assessed in plaque reduction assays and their mode of antiherpetic action was analysed. In virus suspension assays, cold water extract, hot water extract and phosphate buffer extract inhibited virus infectivity by 54.9%, 64.6%, and 99.8%, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. The mode of antiviral action was determined by addition of cyanobacterial extracts separately at different time periods during the viral infection cycle. Extracts of A. fusiformis strain clearly inhibited herpesvirus multiplication before and during virus infection of host cells. The phosphate buffer extract of the A. fusiformis strain affected free herpes simplex virus prior to infection of host cells and inhibited intracellular viral replication. It is concluded, that Arthrospira compounds warrant further investigation to examine their potential role in the treatment of herpetic infections.

A c.3216_3217delGA mutation in AGL gene in Tunisian patients with a glycogen storage disease type III: evidence of a founder effect.

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of abnormal glycogen in the liver and muscles and caused by deficiency in the glycogen debranching enzyme, the amylo-1,6-glucosidase (AGL). In this study, we report the clinical, biochemical and genotyping features of five unrelated GSD III patients coming from the same region in Tunisia. The concentration of erythrocyte glycogen and AGL activity were measured by colorimetric and fluorimetric methods, respectively. Four CA/TG microsatellite markers flanking the AGL gene in chromosome 1 were amplified with fluoresceinated primers. The full coding exons and their relevant exon-intron boundaries of the AGL gene were directly sequenced for the patients and their parents. All patients showed a striking increase of erythrocytes glycogen content. No AGL activity was detected in peripheral leukocytes. Sequencing of the AGL gene identified a c.3216_3217delGA (p.Glu1072AspfsX36) mutation in the five patients which leads to a premature termination, abolishing the AGL activity. Haplotype analysis showed that the mutation was associated with a common homozygote haplotype. Our results suggested the existence of a founder effect responsible for GSD III in this region of Tunisia.

[Observational study of QuantiFERON® management for ocular tuberculosis diagnosis: Analysis of 244 consecutive tests]. / Étude observationnelle de l'usage du QuantiFERON® pour le diagnostic de tuberculose oculaire, basée sur 244 tests consécutifs.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular tuberculosis (TB) diagnosisremains difficult and quantiferon (QFT) contribution needs still yet to be specified, despite its generalization in France. The purpose of this observational study is to assess in which ocular inflammation (OI) presentation QFT is prescribed and to evaluate the added value of new QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test for diagnosis ocular TB diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Monocentric, observational study, carried out in an ophthalmology department over a period of 5 months. Inclusion criteria were defined as an existence of an OI for which a QFT-Plus test was part of the etiological investigations. Of the 316 consecutive files, 72 were excluded (indeterminate test, prescription before anti-TNFα or immunosuppressant initiation, missing data, wrong indication) and 244 were selected and divided into two groups: group one (anterior uveitis/episcleritis, n=129) and group two (intermediate/posterior uveitis/optic neuritis/ocular myositis, n=115). All positive QFT patients underwent an etiological investigation including thoracic imaging. RESULTS: Forty-five patients, aged 52±12 years, had positive QFT (18.5%), including 18 patients for group 1 and 27 for group 2. Living in TB-endemic area, TB exposure and chest imaging abnormalities were identified in 70%, 27% and 22% of cases, respectively. OI was chronic in 36% of cases (group one, 4/18; group two, 12/27). None of the 18 patients, in group 1, received anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) or experienced a relapse during one-year follow-up. Four QFT+ patients, from group 2 (15%) had another associated disease explaining their uveitis. Among the 23 other patients without identified etiology, 13 had at least one relevant ophthalmological signs predictive of TB uveitis (posterior synechiae, retinal vasculitis and/or choroidal granuloma) (59%). Eleven patients received a 6-month ATT trial. Radiological abnormalities and granulomas at angiography were significantly more frequent among treated patients (p=0.03 and 0.001, respectively). A full OI recovery was observed for 8 patients (73%), considered ex-post as ocular TB. Nine patients in group 2 received rifampicin/isoniazid dual therapy for 3 months, but no conclusion could be drawn as to the benefit of such prescription on OI. QFT rate comparison, according to CD4 stimulation by ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptides or by CD4/CD8 co-stimulation, was comparable and found only 4 cases of discrepancy (1.6%). None of these 4 cases had ocular TB diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Positive QFT frequency among patients consulting for posterior OI remains high. In this study, radiological abnormalities and granulomas at angiography seemed to be more closely related to clinician decision for starting ATT trial in QFT+ patients, which was effective in 73% of cases. QFT-Plus does not seem more relevant than QFT-TB in exploring an OI. Prospective studies are necessary to codify QFT management in the etiological assessment of OI and clearly define ATT trial indications as well as their modalities.

Comparison of droplet spread in standard and laminar flow operating theatres: SPRAY study group.

BACKGROUND: Reducing COVID-19 transmission relies on controlling droplet and aerosol spread. Fluorescein staining reveals microscopic droplets. AIM: To compare the droplet spread in non-laminar and laminar air flow operating theatres. METHODS: A 'cough-generator' was fixed to a theatre trolley at 45°. Fluorescein-stained 'secretions' were projected on to a series of calibrated targets. These were photographed under UV light and 'source detection' software measured droplet splatter size and distance. FINDINGS: The smallest droplet detected was ∼120 µm and the largest ∼24,000 µm. An average of 25,862 spots was detected in the non-laminar theatre, compared with 11,430 in the laminar theatre (56% reduction). The laminar air flow mainly affected the smaller droplets (<1000 µm). The surface area covered with droplets was: 6% at 50 cm, 1% at 2 m, and 0.5% at 3 m in the non-laminar air flow; and 3%, 0.5%, and 0.2% in the laminar air flow, respectively. CONCLUSION: Accurate mapping of droplet spread in clinical environments is possible using fluorescein staining and image analysis. The laminar air flow affected the smaller droplets but had limited effect on larger droplets in our 'aerosol-generating procedure' cough model. Our results indicate that the laminar air flow theatre requires similar post-surgery cleaning to the non-laminar, and staff should consider full personal protective equipment for medium- and high-risk patients.

HIV coreceptor downregulation as antiviral principle: SDF-1alpha-dependent internalization of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 contributes to inhibition of HIV replication.

Ligation of CCR5 by the CC chemokines RANTES, MIP-1alpha or MIP-1beta, and of CXCR4 by the CXC chemokine SDF-1alpha, profoundly inhibits the replication of HIV strains that use these coreceptors for entry into CD4(+) T lymphocytes. The mechanism of entry inhibition is not known. We found a rapid and extensive downregulation of CXCR4 by SDF-1alpha and of CCR5 by RANTES or the antagonist RANTES(9-68). Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that CCR5 and CXCR4, after binding to their ligands, are internalized into vesicles that qualify as early endosomes as indicated by colocalization with transferrin receptors. Internalization was not affected by treatment with Bordetella pertussis toxin, showing that it is independent of signaling via Gi-proteins. Removal of SDF-1alpha led to rapid, but incomplete surface reexpression of CXCR4, a process that was not inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting that the coreceptor is recycling from the internalization pool. Deletion of the COOH-terminal, cytoplasmic domain of CXCR4 did not affect HIV entry, but prevented SDF-1alpha-induced receptor downregulation and decreased the potency of SDF-1alpha as inhibitor of HIV replication. Our results indicate that the ability of the coreceptor to internalize is not required for HIV entry, but contributes to the HIV suppressive effect of CXC and CC chemokines.

The philosophy behind exo/endo/existing antioxidants and our built-in oxidant and antioxidant system.

Free radicals (FRs) and oxidants (Os) have different vital activities in our bodies. Biological redox reactions are the major source for FRs-Os. In normal cases, they are under the control of our body's existing antioxidant (antiO) system. If their amounts exceeds a certain limit, they start to attack and damage various macromolecules and cells. In the case of DNA damage, dangerous diseases such as cancer "the human killer" can be elevated. The expression and regulation of the genes coding for the endogenous (endo) antiO enzymes are important for our health. Genetic polymorphism between different populations reflects the differences between individuals and populations abilities to produce antiOs. This review will discuss general aspects about different types of FRs-Os and antiOs as well as their direct and indirect interaction with genetic materials. The benefit of the antiOs, which can do a lot for our health, will be highlighted.

Molecular authentication and characterization of the antiherpetic activity of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira fusiformis.

In recent years there has been an increasing interest for application of natural products as antiinfectives and concerns about the safety of synthetic compounds have encouraged more detailed studies of natural resources. Two different strains of the nontoxic cyanobacterium Arthrospira from the United States and Egypt have been characterized by sequence analysis of the intergenic spacer region of the phycocyanin gene. Both cyanobacteria were identified as Arthrospira fusiformis by phylogenetic tree analysis. The antiherpetic activity of crude aqueous extracts from the US and the Egyptian A. fusiformis isolates was determined. Antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus of cold water extracts, hot water extracts and phosphate buffer extracts from the American and the Egyptian strains was assessed in plaque reduction assays and their mode of antiherpetic action was analysed. In virus suspension assays, all extracts of the American cyanobacterium and the phosphate buffer extract of the Egyptian cyanobacterium inhibited virus infectivity by > 90% in a dose-dependent manner. Phosphate buffer extract and hot water extract of the US cyanobacterium demonstrated the highest antiviral activity at low extract concentrations with high selectivity indices of 7464 and 542, respectively. The mode of antiviral action has been determined by addition of cyanobacterial extracts separately at different time periods during the viral infection cycle. Two extracts of the US A. fusiformis strain clearly inhibited herpesvirus multiplication before and after virus infection of host cells. In contrast, extracts of the Egyptian A. fusiformis strain affected only free herpes simplex virus prior to infection of host cells by direct inactivation of virus particles. In this study different Arthrospira crude extracts showed a significant antiviral effect and might be applied in recurrent herpetic infections.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

AIMS: Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of infectious nosocomial diarrhea among adults in developed countries. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common chronic liver disease and it is associated with bacterial infections. Our goal was to assess whether NAFLD considered a risk factor for C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients admitted with CDAD at Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poria, Israel during a period of four years. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical signs, underlying conditions, presence of fatty liver based on computed tomography/ultrasonography imaging and several risk factors for CDI were collected. The control group included patients with diarrhea who were negative for CDT and had been hospitalized during the same period. The controls were matched for age (±5 years) and gender. RESULTS: Totally, 115/164 patients with CDAD met the inclusion criteria. The control group was consisted of 115 hospitalized patients with non-CDAD. The mean age of all the participants (230) was 69.57 ± 18 years. NAFLD was found in 76/115 (66%) patients with CDAD vs. 35/115 (30.4%) in the control group, P < 0.001. Moreover, we found significant associations between CDAD group and metabolic syndrome, prior use of antibiotic in the last 3 months, NAFLD and high serum levels of C-reactive protein. Multivariate analysis showed that NAFLD, odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.2-1.95, P = 0.05 was significantly associated with CDAD. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study showed that NAFLD is a risk factor for CDAD. Moreover, metabolic syndrome and high serum levels of C-reactive protein were significantly associated with the risk of CDAD.

A new strain of Acinetobacter baumannii and characterization of its ghost as a candidate vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Human infection by Acinetobacter baumannii has been increased due to its resistance against most of the antibiotics. Therefore, the present study aimed to design a candidate vaccine against A. baumannii infection. METHODS: The protein and DNA contents of A. baumannii Ali190 were extracted using different critical concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate leading to the ghost of A. baumannii Ali190. Transmission and scanning electron microscope showed that it retained the 3D structure of its cell membrane. The ghost injected to rats via different routes of administrations including oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous with adjuvant, and intramuscular with adjuvant. RESULTS: ß-Lactamase OXA-51 gene, is a predominant gene in all Acinetobacter strains, the gene was partially sequenced. The DNA sequence of OXA-51 gene showed 98% homology with A. baumannii isolate 6077/12 and also showed less homology percentage with other strains of Acinetobacter. A new strain of Acinetobacter has been deposited in Gene Bank under accession number MG062776. All routes of ghost administration showed full protection against live bacteria except oral administration showed 67% protection. On the other hand, all non-vaccinated rats did not survive after infection with live bacteria. SDS-gel electrophoresis of protein patterns of both A. baumannii and its ghost showed common protein bands with molecular weights 70, 60, and 23 kDa which were detected using western immunoblotting after raising the primary antibodies against A. baumannii ghost. The levels of INF-γ were significantly increased in all vaccinated groups, particularly in subcutaneous and subcutaneous with adjuvant compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: With the exception of oral administration, all vaccinated rats via different routes of ABG administration showed full protection (100%) against live A. baumannii. However, 100% mortality rate was observed in non-vaccinated rats. Therefore, ABG could be useful as a candidate vaccine against A. baumannii infection.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and 30-day all-cause mortality in adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common and serious form of chronic liver disease. Risk factors of NAFLD include obesity and type 2 diabetes which are associated with infections. AIM: We aimed to determine the association of NAFLD with 30-day all-cause mortality in adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study on hospitalized patients with CAP that was conducted during a period of 4 years. We included patients aged ≥18 years with CAP who underwent abdominal ultrasonography. We compared between patients with and without NAFLD in term of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, CURB-65, pneumonia severity index (PSI), liver enzymes, C-reactive protein (CRP) and 30-day all-cause mortality. We used fibrosis score to distinguish between patients with NAFLD who have advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) and do not have (F0-F2). RESULTS: A total of 561 patients were included in this study. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 200/561 (35.6%). Significant differences were found between the groups with and without NAFLD in term of BMI, CURB-65, ALT, GGT and CRP. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 9.8% (55/561). Among the NAFLD group 34/200 (17%) subjects died vs. 21/361 (5.82%) among patients without NAFLD, P < 0.001. Multi-variate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for other multiple covariates showed that NAFLD with fibrosis score 0-2 [odds ratio (OR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.51, P = 0.04], NAFLD with fibrosis score> 2 (1.52; 1.25-1.70, P = 0.03) were associated with 30-day all-cause mortality among patients with CAP. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD was associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with CAP. This association was more significant in patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis.

Unexpected stray attractors in confined leader-follower dynamics driven by cone-of-vision interactions.

Experiments with groups of fish inside a circular tank have provided valuable insights into the nature of leadership in social groups. Sophisticated mathematical models were constructed with a view to recovering observed schooling and leadership behavior in such experiments. Here, and with the help of variations on a promising class of such models, we explore a dual set of social concerns, namely the likelihood of permanent evasion from a cohesive group by a controlled individual in confinement. Our minimal model reduces to a leader-follower configuration, with cone-of-vision driven interactions inside a circular domain. We show that the resulting dynamical system sustains a rich supply of non-aligned, straying "follower" states, the dynamics on which displays (chaotic) intermittency between boundary following behavior and infrequent long flights. We map these states in configuration space and explore transitions between them. We demonstrate robustness of observed behavior by considering model variations, as well as alternate leader control trajectory. While it is too early to draw the implications of leader-follower dynamics to collective behavior, we do confirm that a model stray fish relates to a self-organized school bouncing back and forth along the diameter very much like a follower responds to a point leader in our model. We further draw the implications of our results to the study of dynamical systems with discontinuities, robotics, and the study of human behavior in the face of normative control and confinement.

Widespread use of herbal medicines by people living with human immunodeficiency virus and contamination of herbal medicines with antiretrovirals in Nigeria.

Herbal medication use amongst people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) is widespread and understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of herbal medicine use amongst PLWH and possible contamination with antiretrovirals (ARVs). Countrywide collection of herbal samples sold by street vendors in Nigeria for the following indications: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome, fever and general weakness. Samples were screened using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method for the presence of the following ARVs: efavirenz, nevirapine, lopinavir, darunavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, emtricitabine, tenofovir and lamivudine. A survey was conducted among 742 PLWH attending four HIV clinics in Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS statistics version 22.0 (IBM Corp., 2013, Armond, NY). Of the 138 herbal medicines sampled, three (2%) contained detectable levels of tenofovir, emtricitabine and/or lamivudine. Additionally, of the 742 PLWH surveyed, 310 (41.8%) reported herbal medicine use. Among the users, 191 (61.6%) started taking herbals after commencing HIV therapy while herbal medicine use preceded ARVs treatment in 119 (38.4%) PLWH. We found herbal use to be widespread among PLWH in Nigeria, with increasing use after commencing ARV. Three herbal preparations were also found to contain detectable levels of ARVs. This is a concern and should be studied widely across the region and countries where herbal medicine use is prevalent and poorly regulated.