Microbiological, proximate analysis and sensory evaluation of processed Irish potato fermented in brine solution

The microflora, proximate analysis and sensory evaluation of Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum) slices fermented in 2.0% brine solution under micro-aerophilic condition for five days at room temperature were studied. The Nutritive qualities of the brined- fermented samples were analyzed and organoleptic parameters were accessed through trained panelist. There was an increase in microbial load of the brined-fermented samples especially within the first three days of fermentation as a result of hydrolysis of carbohydrate and subsequent conversion to sugars and minerals by the fermenting microorganisms. The organisms isolated from the fermentation set up include Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Micrococcus, Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus species. Decrease in microbial counts at the latter stages of fermentation was attributed to the high total acidity of the medium with reduction in pH from 7.50 to 5.03, while the lactic acid bacteria increased continuously throughout the period of fermentation. The results of the proximate analysis showed that there was a reduction in the crude fiber content from 28.96 to 20.04 mg/g, reducing sugar from 127 to 72 mg/g and ash content from 8.01 to 4.08 mg/g. The fried fermented chips were more desirable and preferred to the unfermented control

Detection of fungi and aflatoxin in shelved bush mango seeds (

A survey of the fungi and aflatoxin contamination of bush mango seeds (Irvingia spp.) was conducted in Akwa lbom State, Nigeria. Bush mango seeds sold at four major markets, located at Abak, Uyo, IkotEkpene and Itam in Akwa Ibom State were heavily contaminated with moulds. Eight different fungi were found associated with the bush mango seeds; Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus tereus, Aspergillusflavus, Aspergillus candidus, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger, Candida tropicalis and Aspergillus glaucus. A. niger have the highest rate of occurrence with high colony counts (1.0 x 103 –4.3 x 103 colonies/g). The aflatoxins B1 and G1 concentrations ranged from 0.2 – 4.0 and 0.3 – 4.2 ìg/kg, respectively. The result showed that bush mango seeds sold in Akwa lbom markets require quality control and proper preservation

Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation from Telecommunication Base Stations on Microbial Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance

We aimed to investigate the effects of radiofrequency radiation from telecommunication on bacteria diversity and antibiotic sensitivity of surrounding bacteria micro-flora. In all cases of bacteria isolated, results indicated that radiation majorly influences and selected bacteria of specific morphology (rod-like, gram positive and spore formers) belonging to the genera Bacillus, Clostridium, Corynebacterium and Sporosarcina. Spore formation have been associated with prevention of DNA damage, this suggest that radiation may imposes stress detrimental to various non-spore forming, gram negative bacteria of nonrod morphology. The antibiotic resistance pattern indicated resistance above 50% in three of the ten common antibiotics tested with the highest of 96% recorded against zinnacef, followed by amoxicillin (70%) and ampiclox (56%). The highest resistance recorded was attributed to Bacillus spp while lowest resistance was recorded in Corynebacterium. The two largest groups of isolates; Bacillus and Clostridium have been reported as human pathogens and found to be multidrug resistant. © JASE

Burden of obesity in essential hypertension: Pattern and prevalence

Obesity continues to be an epidemic worldwide. There also continues to be a relationship between obesity and hypertension both causal and consequentially. The study aims at determining the prevalence and pattern of overweight and obesity among our patients being managed for essential hypertension. The study was a cross sectional study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with essential hypertension were recruited from two university teaching hospitals in the SouthWest of Nigeria. Demographicdata such as age, gender, weight and height were obtained from patients at recruitment. Patients with congestive heart failure, secondary hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and other chronic diseases wereexcluded. Pregnant women were also excluded. Obesity was defined according toWHOclassification. Statistical analysis was done by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 11.0. One thousand one hundred and two (1102) consecutive hypertensive patients were recruited. Two hundred and eighty six (286) were dropped due to evidence of overt heart failure (98) and chronic kidney disease and others (188).There were (420) males (51.5%) and 396 females (48.5%), mean age 54.97 (±13.14) years. (Range 10-91). 7.6% (62) were underweight (36 males, 26 Females): 260 (31.9%) were overweight, consisting of 148 males and 112 females: 135 (16.5%) had mild obesity consisting of 48 males and 87 females: 43(5.3%) had moderate obesity with 15 males and 28 females while 30 (3.7%) had severe obesity (consisting of 22 females).About two thirds of the hypertensive patients seen in two teaching hospitals in the SouthWest of Nigeria in this study were either overweight or obese. Therefore lifestyle modification geared toward weightreduction should be emphasized in these patients

Vaccines and immunization: The past, present and future in Nigeria

Vaccines are arguably the most important public health tools available today. Since the successful eradication of smallpox with the use of the vaccine, many vaccines have become available to man. Of great importance to public and child health are the vaccines against the so-called six killer diseases of childhood-measles, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis. In the last 2 decades, effective vaccines against the major causes of pneumonia, another childhood killer, have become available. Data from many parts of the world including African countries have shown the benefits of the pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines. The scientific world is still searching for appropriate candidate vaccines for malaria and HIV infection. Despite the availability and effectiveness of many vaccines, the benefits to a country is highly dependent on a viable and sustainable health system which include adequate financing, dynamic and motivated workforce, strong partnerships and effective community participation. If well deployed, available vaccines as elucidated in this discourse can accelerate the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria and many other developing countries.Key words: Vaccines, Immunizations, Nigeria

Adsorption of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solution using Maize cob activated carbon: Kinetics and Thermodynamics Studies

The adsorption of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated using batch adsorption experiment at room temperature. The effect of pH, contact time, metal ion concentration and temperature were evaluated. The residual concentrations of the metal ions were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that maximum removal of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions occurred at pH 9. Some physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization of the adsorbents were done such as moisture content, ash content, bulk density, volatile matter, iodine number, point of zero charge (PZC), XRF, and FTIR. The moisture and ash content of MCAC adsorbent were found to be 9.85±0.06 and 5.5±0.1% respectively. The bulk density was found to be 0.37±0.01g/m3, iodine number of 367.66±30 mg/g and PZC of 6.8. The SEM micrograph shows particle grains and jelly like rough surfaces, FTIR analysis results show different functional group in the MCAB adsorbent such as O-H, C=O, and C=C stretching. Kinetic study shows that the pseudo-second order kinetic model best described the adsorption of metal ions. The equilibrium data fitted Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms, in each case, the Langmuir model appears to have better regression coefficients than the Freundlich and Temkin. Thermodynamics investigation showed that Gibb’s free energy change (ΔG) was negative indicating that the adsorption of Mn(II) and Co(II) ions by maize cob activated carbon were feasible and spontaneous. The positive value of enthalpy change (ΔH) implies that the reaction was endothermic while positive value of entropy change (ΔS) implies an irregular increase in the randomness at the solid/solution interface of the adsorbent during the adsorption process.Keywords: Adsorption, Heavy metals, Kinetics, Thermodynamic

Flood and cassave productivity in Kogi State, Nigeria: A quantitative analysis using cross-sectional data

The study assessed the effect of the 2012 flood disaster on cassava productivity in Kogi State and identified the adaptation measures and resilience capacity of the cassava farmers affected by the flood. To achieve the objectives of the study, the “with and without” approach involving the flood affected farmers and control group was employed to ascertain and compare the effect of the flood on cassava productivity. Simple descriptive statistics, productivity index, z-test of two means and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyse the data collected. The result indicated a significant cassava productivity differentials of about 56% between the flood affected farmers and the control population. The multiple regression analysis result further confirmed that flood had a significant effect on cassava productivity amongst the respondents at 5% level of significance. Against this backdrop, there is the need for farmers to continue to diversify their farming practices with a view to mitigating the effect of future flood occurrence, adopt drought resistant cassava varieties while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should in conjunction with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Kogi State Government and the Media create effective climatic situation awareness for  cassava farmers within the State with the view to containing and minimizing the adverse effect of flooding. Key Words: Flood, Disaster, Adaptation, Resilience, Cassava farmers, Productivity

Liver function of Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Rats Orally Administered Aqueous Root-Bark Extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub).

The aqueous root-bark extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera Taub. has been shown to  ameliorate streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. This study evaluated the liver status of STZ- induced diabetic rats treated with aqueous root-bark extract of T. tetraptera for 35 days. Twenty-four (24) rats in four groups (normal control, diabetic control, T. tetraptera treated STZ induced diabetic rats at 150 mg/kg b. w. and T. tetraptera treated STZ-diabetic rats at 300 mg/kg b. w.) were used. Serum and liver alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (γGT) activities and protein concentration were assessed. Also, serum albumins, globulins, total and direct bilirubin concentrations were measured. STZ induced diabetes significantly (P<0.05) increased serum ALT, AST and ALP activities, while treatment of diabetic rats with T. tetraptera reduced the activities of these enzymes. T. tetraptera caused significant (P<0.05) increases in serum γGT, total and direct bilirubin levels, especially at the higher dose (300mg/kg body weight). While the treatment of STZ induced diabetic rats with the extract of T. tetraptera ameliorated hepatocellular damage, at the higher dose of 300mg/kg body weight, T. tetraptera treatment may cause bile duct obstruction. The use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes or other diseases should therefore be monitored with respect to hepato-biliary toxicity.Keywords: Tetrapleura tetraptera, STZ diabetes, Liver function, Toxicity, Medicinal plant

Influence of Family Size, Household Food Security Status, and Child Care Practices on the Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Fertility pattern and reproductive behaviours affect infant death in Nigeria. Household food insecurity and poor care practices also place children at risk of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of family size, household food security status, and child care practices on the nutritional status of under-five children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 423 mothers of under-five children and their children in the households selected through multistagesampling methods. Food-insecure households were five times more likely than secure households to have wasted children (crude OR=5.707, 95 percent CI=1.31-24.85). Children with less educated mothers were significantly more likely to be stunted. The prevalence of food insecurity among households in Ile-Ife was high. Households with food insecurity and less educated mothers were more likely to have malnourished children (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[4]: 123-132)

Toxicological evaluation of precocene II isolated from Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) in Sprague Dawley rats

Precocene II (6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2-chromene) was the main constituent isolated from Ageratum conyzoides L. and reportedly possessed antifungal activity. The study investigated the isolation,purification and toxicological effects of precocene II from A. conyzoides in Sprague Dawley rats. Precocene II was isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of the plant and the structure was determined by  1H-,13C-,DEPT-NMR and MS spectral techniques. Three groups of eight rats per group were used for the study. While groups B and C were respectively administered with 25 and 50 mg/kg of precocene II in 0.25% CMC-Na for 11 days by gastric intubation, group A was administered with 0.25% CMC-Na and served as the control group. After the last treatment, animals were fasted overnight and on the 12th day, they were injected intravenously with 0.2 ml/kg body weight of phenobarbital. Animalswere subsequently dissected from the abdominal region; blood was collected from the pulmonary vein into EDTA anti-coagulated and non anti-coagulated tubes. The liver, kidney and spleen tissues wereextracted into separate bottles for histopathological examinations. Results from hematological study indicated that the white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), plateletcrit (PCT) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin count (MCHC) were significantly higher across the treated group s. Biochemical result showed that serum glucose level was significantly reduced in the treated groups. No apparent damage was noticed in the liver, kidney and spleen tissues. The result therefore suggests that precocene II possesses hypoglycemic property and could alter some hematopoietic elements but was not toxic to the liver, kidney and spleen tissues