Prospect of retort pouch food technology in the Nigerian fishery industry: an overview

Retort pouch as a packaging material for varieties of food items such as fish, vegetables, fruits and food crops was highlighted. Materials required for the processing of pouches were listed and the methodology of production discussed. The paper provided insight for investors to invest in the technology of pouching as a means of engaging unemployed youths in Nigeria

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy in osogbo with special reference to staphylococcus saprophyticus

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a common clinical entity in pregnancy but the prevalence due to S. saprophyticus, an established uro-pathogen in sexually active women, remained largely unknown in Nigeria. Theprevalence of asymptomatic significant bacteriuria due to S. saprophyticus was therefore determined among 431 pregnant women in a tertiary health institution, Southwestern Nigeria. Clean catch specimens of mid stream, early morning voided urine, collected on two occasions with an interval of four weeks, were subjected to microbialanalysis and quantitative culture. All cultures with significant growth (≥105 CFU/ml) were characterized and S. saprophyticus identified using conventional biochemical scheme. A total of 862 duplicate urine samples were analyzed; 19.5% were positive for the same bacteria on two consecutive samples, giving a prevalence rate of 19.5% for asymptomatic bacteriuria. S. saprophyticus was recovered from consecutive urine of 2.6% of the women, 54.5% of whom had significant pyuria. The isolates were all susceptible to vancomycin, gentamicin and fluoroquinolones, but 18.2% were methicillin resistant strains. From the result of this study, all pregnant women should be routinely screened for S. saprophyticus urinary carriage.Key words: Asymptomatic, Bacteriuria, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Nigeri

Structural and Optical Properties of Tin Doped Zinc Oxide Fibres Prepared By Electrospinning Technique

The study synthesized ZnO fibers using electrospinning technique. It also characterized and determined the effects of Sn2+ dopant on the optical properties of the fibers synthesized. This was with a view to exploring the potential of improving the performance ZnO semiconductor material in industrial applications. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) solution was prepared and mixed with ZnO source. Zinc acetate was used as the ZnO source while Tin Acetate was used as Sn2+ dopant source. Viscous electrospinning solutions of PVA/Zinc Acetate and three different compositions of Tin Acetate were prepared. The compositions of dopants used were 5, 7 and 9-wt. %. Samples of the depositions from the electrospinning process were annealed at 600o C at a rate of 4o C per minute for 6 hours. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to reveal the morphology of the depositions. The structural analysis of the fibers was carried out using x-ray diffractometry (XRD) while the optical properties of the fibers were investigated using ultra violet visible spectrophotometry. The SEM results showed the depositions to be web of fibers. The XRD confirmed the crystallization of undoped and doped ZnO fibers from the acetates. The crystal sizes of the fibers were in the range of 5.566 to 7.202 nm. Furthermore, wide bandgap energy values ranging from 3.26 to 3.46 eV were obtained from the results of the optical properties of the fibers. The results showed that the average crystal sizes of Sn2+ doped ZnO fibers were larger than those of the undoped fibers. However, it was observed that the average crystal size decreases with increase in Sn2+ content. The results also showed that the bandgap energy values of the fibers increase with dopant concentration. The study established the viability of fabricating doped and undoped ZnO structure in form of fibers in order to enhance its performance in industrial applications. Also, the results showed that the optical properties of the fibers improved with increase in Sn2+ dopant concentration. Keywords: ZnO fibers; Electrospinning technique; Structural analysis; Optical properties;  Sn2+ Dopant; Band gap energy value; Crystal siz

Detection of the carbapenemase gene blaVIM-5 in members of the Pseudomonas putida group isolated from polluted Nigerian wetlands

Abstract There are increasing concerns about possible dissemination of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes, including genes encoding for carbapenemases in the environment. However, little is known about environmental distribution of antibiotic resistance in Africa. In this study, four polluted urban wetlands in Nigeria were investigated as potential reservoirs of carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB). CRB were isolated from the wetlands, characterized by Blue-Carba test, MIC determinations and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Nine of 65 bacterial isolates identified as members of the Pseudomonas putida group (P. plecoglossicida and P. guariconensis, respectively) harboured the metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla VIM-5. WGS revealed the bla VIM-5 in three novel Tn402-like class 1 integron structures containing the cassette arrays aadB|bla VIM-5|bla PSE-1, aadB|bla VIM-5|aadB|bla PSE-1, and bla VIM-5|aadB|tnpA|bla PSE-1|smr2|tnpA, respectively. Strains carrying the aadB|bla VIM-5|bla PSE-1 cassette also carried an identical integron without bla VIM-5. In addition, the strains harboured another Tn402-like class 1 integron carrying bcr2, several multidrug resistance efflux pumps, and at least one of ampC, aph(3”)-lb, aph(6)-ld, tetB, tetC, tetG, floR, and macAB. This is the first report of a carbapenemase gene in bacteria from environmental sources in Nigeria and the first report of bla VIM-5 in environmental bacteria isolates. This result underscores the role of the Nigerian environment as reservoir of bacteria carrying clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes

A Genetic Algorithm Approach to Optimal Sizing and Placement of Distributed Generation on Nigerian Radial Feeders

Mitigating power loss and voltage profile problems on radial distribution networks has been a major challenge to distribution system operators. While deployment of distributed generation, as compensators, has made a suitable solution option, optimum placement and sizing of the compensators has been a concern and it has thus been receiving great attention. Meta-heuristic algorithms have been found efficacious in this respect, yet the use of the algorithms in addressing problems of radial feeders is still comparatively low in Nigeria where analytical and numerical programming methods are common. Hence; the use of genetic algorithm to site and size distributed generator for real-time power loss reduction and voltage profile improvement on the Nigerian secondary distribution networks is presented. Backward-forward sweep load flow analysis, together with loss sensitivity factor, is deployed to identify the buses suitable for the installation of the distributed generation, while the algorithm is employed in estimating the optimum size. This approach is tested on the standard IEEE 15-bus system and validated using a Nigerian 11 kV feeder. The result obtained on the IEEE test system shows 183 kW loss using the compensator, as compared to 436 kW loss without the compensator; while on the Nigerian network the loss with the compensator was 4.99 kW, in comparison with no-compensation loss of 10.47kW. By the approach of this study, real power loss on the Nigerian feeder decreased by 52.3% together with energy cost reduction from N658,789.12 to N314,227.38. Likewise the minimum bus voltage magnitude and the voltage stability index of the network are improved to acceptable limits. This approach is therefore recommended as capable of strengthening the performance of the Nigerian radial distribution system

A survey of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in urban wetlands in southwestern Nigeria as a step towards generating prevalence maps of antimicrobial resistance

In many countries, emission of insufficiently treated wastewater into water bodies appears to be an important factor in spreading clinically relevant antimicrobial resistant bacteria. In this study, we looked for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae strains with resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotics in four urban wetlands in southwestern Nigeria by isolation, whole genome sequencing and qPCR enumeration of marker genes. Genome analysis of multi-drug resistant and potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates (members of the widely distributed ST10 complex) revealed the presence of the extended spectrum beta-lactamase gene blaCTX-M-15 on self-transmissible IncF plasmids. The gene was also present together with a blaTEM-1B gene on self-transmissible IncH plasmids in multi-drug resistant Enterobacter cloacae isolates. A Citrobacter freundii isolate carried blaTEM-1B on an IncR-type plasmid without discernable conjugation apparatus. All strains were isolated from a wetland for which previous qPCR enumeration of marker genes, in particular the ratio of intI1 to 16S rRNA gene copy numbers, had indicated a strong anthropogenic impact. Consistent with the isolation origin, qPCR analysis in this study showed that the blaCTX-M gene was present at an abundance of 1x10-4 relative to bacterial 16S rRNA gene copy numbers. The results indicate that contamination of these urban aquatic ecosystems with clinically relevant antibiotic resistant bacteria is substantial in some areas. Measures should therefore be put in place to mitigate the propagation of clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance within the Nigerian aquatic ecosystems

RISK ASSESSMENT OF CADMIUM CONTAMINATED SOIL IN A BATTERY MANUFACTURING FACTORY IN NIGERIA.

Risk assessment of trace metal contamination in soil involves the understanding of its chemical form and concentration. In this study, the chemical species, distribution and bioavailability of cadmium in the soil within a battery factory in Ibadan, Nigeria was investigated. The result indicates that total concentration of cadium (12.62-37.35mg/kg) within the factory site exceeds the threshold limit established by federal environmental protection agency (FEPA) by a factor of 4.54. solid phase speciation of the soil showed that cadium was distributed in order :residual>organic bound>occluded by free oxide>inorganic bound> exchangeable. Cd content that could be exchanged with other useful ion in the soil however falls between the standard normal ranges. The threat posed by presence of cadmium is indicative by its concentration   level distribution in other species

Women’s experiences of receiving care for pelvic organ prolapse: a qualitative study

Background Pelvic organ prolapse is a common urogenital condition affecting 41–50% of women over the age of 40. To achieve early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is important that care is sensitive to and meets women’s needs, throughout their patient journey. This study explored women’s experiences of seeking diagnosis and treatment for prolapse and their needs and priorities for improving person-centred care. Methods Twenty-two women receiving prolapse care through urogynaecology services across three purposefully selected NHS UK sites took part in three focus groups and four telephone interviews. A topic guide facilitated discussions about women’s experiences of prolapse, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, interactions with healthcare professionals, overall service delivery, and ideals for future services to meet their needs. Data were analysed thematically. Results Three themes emerged relating to women’s experiences of a) Evaluating what is normal b) Hobson’s choice of treatment decisions, and c) The trial and error of treatment and technique. Women often delayed seeking help for their symptoms due to lack of awareness, embarrassment and stigma. When presented to GPs, their symptoms were often dismissed and unaddressed until they became more severe. Women reported receiving little or no choice in treatment decisions. Choices were often influenced by health professionals’ preferences which were subtly reflected through the framing of the offer. Women’s embodied knowledge of their condition and treatment was largely unheeded, resulting in decisions that were inconsistent with women’s preferences and needs. Physiotherapy based interventions were reported as helping women regain control over their symptoms and life. A need for greater awareness of prolapse and physiotherapy interventions among women, GPs and consultants was identified alongside greater focus on prevention, early diagnosis and regular follow-up. Greater choice and involvement in treatment decision making was desired. Conclusions As prolapse treatment options expand to include more conservative choices, greater awareness and education is needed among women and professionals about these as a first line treatment and preventive measure, alongside a multi-professional team approach to treatment decision making. Women presenting with prolapse symptoms need to be listened to by the health care team, offered better information about treatment choices, and supported to make a decision that is right for them