Effect of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) powder and essential oil on mould deterioration and aflatoxin contamination of melon seeds (Colocynthis citrullus L.)

Experiments were carried out to determine the potential of using the powder and essential oil from dried ground leaves of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) to control storage deterioration and aflatoxin contamination of melon seeds (Colocynthis citrullus L.). Four mould species: Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. tamarii and Penicillium citrinum were inoculated in the form of conidia suspension (approx. 106 conidia per ml) unto shelled melon seeds. The powdered dry leaves and essential oil from lemon grass were mixed with the inoculated seeds at levels ranging from 1-10% (w/w) and 0.1 to 1%v/vt respectively. The ground leaves significantly reduced the extent of deterioration in melon seeds inoculat4ed with different fungi compared to the untreated inoculated seeds. The essential oil at 0.1 and 0.25% (v/w) and ground leaves at 10% (w/w) significantly reduced deterioration and aflatoxin production in shelled melon seeds inoculated with toxigenic A. flavus. At higher dosages (0.5 and 1.0% v/w), the essential completely prevented aflatoxin production. After 6 months in farmers' stores, unshelled melon seeds treated with 0.5% (v/w) of essential oil and 10% (w/w) of powdered leaves of C. citratus had significantly lower proportion of visibly diseased seeds and Aspergillus spp infestation levels and significantly higher seed germination compared to the untreated seeds. The oil content, free fatty acid and peroxide values in seeds protected with essential oil after 6 months did not significantly differ from the values in seed before storage. The efficacy of the essential oil in preserving the quality of melon seeds in stores was statistically at par with that of fungicide (iprodione) treatment. Key Words: Aflatoxin, Cymbopogon citratus, essential oil, powdered leaves, melon seeds, mould deterioration, oil content, free fatty acid, peroxide values, seed germination. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(1) 2004: 52-5

Weight reduction with improvement of serum lipid profile and ratios of Sesamum radiatum leaves diet in a non-obese Sprague Dawley rats

Development of novel natural dietary adjunct/agent with significant therapeutic effects on metabolic disease conditions such as obesity and heart disease raises concern in recent times. We studiedchronic toxicity of the combined active ingredients present in the sesame leaves and their interaction on the fasting serum lipid profiles with their ratios in thirty adult male non-obese Sprague Dawley (SD)rats. Such that, both treated groups received 14.0 and 28.0 mg/kg body weight doses of aqueous leaves extract of Sesamum radiatum respectively on a daily basis via gastric gavage, while, the controlreceived equal volume of normal saline daily for six weeks. Significant (P < 0.05) weight loss observed in the treated groups was associated with significant (P < 0.05) reductions in both serum cholesteroland triglycerides (TG). The effect on the serum lipoprotein cholesterol components and ratios were significant in a dose related manner, such that increase in HDL accompanied a corresponding decreasein both LDL and LDL/HDL ratio. In addition, to increased in TG/HDL ratio. However, no significant differences in the relative reduction level of VLDL and triglycerides in the treated groups were found compared to control. Thus, LDL/HDL ratio is significantly a better indicator than the TG/HDL ratio in assessing the impact of sesame treatment with evidence of weight loss and hypolipidaemia especially in hypertensive heart diseases

Isolation and partial characterization of a protease enzyme from Thaumatococcus daniellii waste

A protease enzyme was isolated and partially purified from the pulp of Thaumatococcus daniellii fruit by gel filtration on sephadex G-75 followed by ion-exchange column chromatography on DEAEcellulose. The enzyme showed a specific activity of 4.75 × 10-1 unit/mg protein and 6.93 × 10-1 unit/mg protein, respectively after each purification procedure. The purified enzyme had a Km and Vmax of 2.0 × 10-4 M and 1.53 mol/min, respectively, using casein as substrate. The enzyme had an optimum temperature of 35°C and functioned best at pH 7.0 with some residual activity at alkaline pH.Key words: Protease, isolation, characterization, Thaumatococcus danielii

Weight changes and growth performance in Sprague Dawley rats fed diet containing graded doses of Carica Papaya seeds

Carica papaya is not left out among plants reported to be of herbal and therapeutic importance. Hence, this study investigates the effect of ingestion of Carica papaya seeds on weight gain and growth in growing Sprague Dawley rats. The study involves 40 growing rats (95.0 ± 10.0 grams) within the ages of 7 ± 1weeks. They were divided into four groups of two stages; A (control; n = 5), B (n = 10), C (n = 10) and D (n = 10). The rats were fed varying doses of powdered Carica papaya seed (6, 8, 10grams). Animal weights were measured before and after acclimatization (2 weeks); after three weeks (acute; Stage 1); and 6 weeks (chronic; Stage 2). The data obtained were compared using the ANOVA at P ≤ 0.05 level of significance. At all stages of weight determinations, Group A, B, C and D presented body weight gain from the preceding weight. Comparatively, those of Group B, C and D were lower during the pre-treatment periods (3 weeks and 6 weeks) and presented the most retarded growth impact in a dose depended fashion. The observations suggest Carica papaya seeds may have weight reduction potentials and may induce growth retardation.Key words: Weight, growth, Carica papaya seed, Herb

Predictors of early sexual initiation among a nationally representative sample of Nigerian adolescents

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Early sexual debut among adolescents is associated with considerable negative heath and development outcomes. An understanding of the determinants or predictors of the timing of sexual debut is important for effective intervention, but very few studies to date have addressed this issue in the Nigerian context. The aim of the present study is to examine predictors of adolescent sexual initiation among a nationally representative sample of adolescents in Nigeria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Interviewer-collected data of 2,070 never-married adolescents aged 15–19 years were analysed to determine association between age of sexual debut and demographic, psychosocial and community factors. Using Cox proportional hazards regression multivariate analysis was carried out with two different models – one with and the other without psychosocial factors. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated separately for males and females.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A fifth of respondents (18% males; 22% females) were sexually experienced. In the South 24.3% males and 28.7% females had initiated sex compared to 12.1% of males and 13.1% females in the North (p < 0.001). In the first model, only region was significantly associated with adolescent sexual initiation among both males and females; however, educational attainment and age were also significant among males. In the second (psychosocial) model factors associated with adolescent sexual debut for both genders included more positive attitudes regarding condom efficacy (males: HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.07–1.53; females: HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.05–1.46) and more positive attitudes to family planning use (males: HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.09–1.31; females: HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.07–1.30). A greater perception of condom access (HR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.14–1.76) and alcohol use (HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.38–2.62) among males and positive gender-related attitudes (HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.04–1.23) among females were also associated with increased likelihood of adolescent sexual initiation. Conversely, personal attitudes in favour of delayed sexual debut were associated with lower sexual debut among both males (males: HR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.25–0.52) and females (HR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.25–0.57). Higher level of religiosity was associated with lower sexual debut rates only among females (HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.37–0.94).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Given the increased risk for a number of sexually transmitted health problems, understanding the factors that are associated with premarital sexual debut will assist programmes in developing more effective risk prevention interventions.</p

Ectopic Cushing' syndrome caused by a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery

BACKGROUND: ACTH overproduction within the pituitary gland or ectopically leads to hypercortisolism. Here, we report the first case of Cushing' syndrome caused by an ectopic ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery. Moreover, diagnostic procedures and pitfalls associated with ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors are demonstrated and discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41 year-old man presented with clinical features and biochemical tests suggestive of ectopic Cushing's syndrome. First, subtotal thyroidectomy was performed without remission of hypercortisolism, because an octreotide scan showed increased activity in the left thyroid gland and an ultrasound revealed nodules in both thyroid lobes one of which was autonomous. In addition, the patient had a 3 mm hypoenhancing lesion of the neurohypophysis and a 1 cm large adrenal tumor. Surgical removal of the pituitary lesion within the posterior lobe did not improve hypercortisolism and we continued to treat the patient with metyrapone to block cortisol production. At 18-months follow-up from initial presentation, we detected an ACTH-producing neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery by using a combination of octreotide scan, computed tomography scan, and positron emission tomography. Intraoperatively, use of a gamma probe after administration of radiolabeled (111)In-pentetreotide helped identify the mesenteric neuroendocrine tumor. After removal of this carcinoma, the patient improved clinically. Laboratory testing confirmed remission of hypercortisolism. An octreotide scan 7 months after surgery showed normal results. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the diagnostic challenge in identifying an ectopic ACTH-producing tumor and the pluripotency of cells, in this case of mesenteric cells that can start producing and secreting ACTH. It thereby helps elucidate the pathogenesis of neuroendocrine tumors. This case also suggests that patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome and an octreotide scan positive in atypical locations may benefit from explorative radioguided surgery using (111)In-pentetreotide and a gamma probe

Fertility desires, family planning use and pregnancy experience: longitudinal examination of urban areas in three African countries

Background Many women have inconsistent fertility desires and contraceptive use behaviors. This increases their risk of unintended pregnancies. Inconsistencies may reflect barriers to family planning (FP) use but may also reflect ambivalence toward future childbearing. Using urban data from Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, this study examines the role of fertility desires and FP use behaviors on pregnancy experience over a 2-year follow-up period. Methods Data come from baseline and 2-year follow-up among urban women interviewed in Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. At baseline (2010/2011), women were asked about their future fertility desires (want child soon, want to delay >2 years, does not want) and current FP use. At midterm (2012/2013), women were asked if they were currently pregnant or had a birth in the 2-year period. We examine the association between baseline fertility desires and FP use with pregnancy experience and desirability of an experienced pregnancy. Results In the 2-year follow-up period, 27–39 % of women in union experienced a pregnancy or birth. In Kenya and Nigeria, 30–35 % of women using a modern FP method experienced a pregnancy/birth; the percentage with a pregnancy/birth was slightly higher among women not using at baseline (41 % in both countries). In Senegal, the distinction between pregnancy experience between users and non-users was greater (16 % vs. 31 %, respectively). In all countries, pregnancy was less common among users of long-acting and permanent methods; only a small percentage of women use these methods. Women not wanting any(more) children were the least likely to experience a pregnancy in the 2-year follow-up period. No differences were observed between those who wanted to delay and those who wanted soon. Multivariate findings demonstrate distinctions in pregnancy experience by fertility desires among modern FP users. Non-users have similar pregnancy experience by fertility desires. Conclusions Fertility desires are not stable; providers need to consider the fluidity of fertility desires in counseling clients. Programs focusing on new FP users may miss women who are the most motivated to avoid a pregnancy and need to switch to a more effective method; this will result in less unintended pregnancies overall

Socio-psychological implications of the period of prolonged economic recession on the Nigerian workers

No Abstract

Are there Potential Economic Benefits from China-Nigeria Trade Agreements

This study examined the potential economic gains and losses from trade agreements between China and Nigeria. A gravity model was implemented using panel data analysis to discern the drivers of trade and simulate the effects of trade agreements between the two countries.Empirical results showed that economic size of both countries played a major role in promoting trade between them. Also, the levels of tariffs in China and Nigeria were important. Simulation experiments revealed that under a non-reciprocal tariff reduction in China by 25 per cent,50 per cent,75 per cent and 100 per cent in all traded products, Nigeria will record positive growth of export. Similarly, a reciprocal tariff reduction agreement by China and Nigeria, by the same magnitude will lead to a rise in Nigeria’s export of all products particularly chemicals, mineral fuels and some manufactured products by over 100.0 per cent while China’s exports to Nigeria will rise by between 32.0 per cent per cent and 43.0 per cent (for miscellaneous manufactures and crude materials).Keywords: Trade agreements, Potential gains and losses, China, Nigeria, Gravity model, Panel data models, Simulations.JEL Classification: F14: F15: F59, C15, C23, C3