Mycological, toxigenic and nutritional characteristics of some vended groundnut and groundnut products from three Northern Nigerian ecological zones

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and groundnut products are important, street-vended, energy-rich sources of protein and oils useful in human and animal diets although fraught with microbial contaminations. Fungi associated with vended samples of roasted groundnut, Kulikuli, Donkwa, peanut butter and Yaji obtained from Kano, Kaduna, Minna and Ibadan were isolated using pour-plate method. These were qualitatively screened for presence of mycotoxin on palm kernel agar medium and the concentrations of aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol content in the samples quantified through immunoassay. The fungal load of the samples was highest between 1.3X103 and 1.6X104 TFU/g while the frequency of occurrence of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Penicillium species in the samples were 36%, 33%, 20% and 11%, respectively. Qualitatively, the highest aflatoxin intensity producers were two strains of Aspergillus flavus from a Yaji and Kulikuli sample. The highest aflatoxin concentration (115ppb) was recorded in the Kaduna Yaji sample and 65% of the samples had aflatoxin concentration above the FDA-prescribed 20ppb. The highest deoxynivalenol concentration (0.7ppm) was recorded in Kaduna Donkwa sample which was still lower than the 1.0ppb prescribed recommendation. Kano Yaji and Kaduna Kulilkuli had the highest protein content (60% and 44% respectively) while all samples were high in calcium and potassium (725.16-1292.75 and 325-1280mg/100g) respectively. There was fungal contamination of vended groundnut product samples and the detection of mycotoxins in all the samples. Regulatory bodies, especially in developing countries, need to set quality standards and ensure compliance of the same in street vended food products for product and consumer safety.Keywords: Groundnut products, Mycotoxigenic properties, Deoxynivalenol, Aflatoxin, Nutritional compositionAfr. J. Biomed. Res. Vol. 22 (January, 2019); 65- 7

Phycosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Chlorella vulgaris Metabolites: Its Antibacterial, Anti-Biofilm and In-Vitro Cytotoxicity Potential and Effect of Optimized Conditions on Biosynthesis.

The adverse effects of multidrug resistant and biofilm forming microbes on human health is of major concern; therefore a search for potential alternative in nanoparticles is required. Green phycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNP) using The Clear Supernatant (TCS) of blue-green algae, Chlorella vulgaris (Cv) was investigated. The greenly synthesized Chlorella vulgaris TCS SNPs (CvTCSSNPs) were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, SEM, TGA, DLS, EDX and XRD. The antibacterial, antibiofilm and in vitro cytotoxicity against brine shrimp was evaluate. Colour change from light green to chocolate brown indicate CvTCSSNPs biosynthesis and surface Plasmon resonance peak was observed at 300 nm. CvTCSSNPs was 10 μm in size, spherical in shape, and can withstand high temperature without totally losing its weight. DLS shows the particle diameter average of 82.19 nm and 505.3 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.505. The EDX analysis confirmed a strong signal of silver element. The CvTCSSNPs had strong antibacterial activity and profoundly antibiofilm activity against Citrobacter sp., S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. coli ATCC 35218 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. CvTCSSNPs toxicity to Artemia salina (brine shrimp) LC50 was 1256. 69 μg/mL, it was observed to be insignificant with the highest mortality rate at 2000 μg/mL and the lethality was dose dependent. pH 10, 37˚C, 40 mL extract, 5 mM AgNO3 supported optimum CvTCSSNPs production. In conclusion, the phycosynthesized CvTCSSNPs had strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against the test pathogens. CvTCSSNPs may be used as safe and alternative to antibiotics against MDR biofilm producing pathogens

Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BackgroundDisorders affecting the nervous system are diverse and include neurodevelopmental disorders, late-life neurodegeneration, and newly emergent conditions, such as cognitive impairment following COVID-19. Previous publications from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study estimated the burden of 15 neurological conditions in 2015 and 2016, but these analyses did not include neurodevelopmental disorders, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11, or a subset of cases of congenital, neonatal, and infectious conditions that cause neurological damage. Here, we estimate nervous system health loss caused by 37 unique conditions and their associated risk factors globally, regionally, and nationally from 1990 to 2021.MethodsWe estimated mortality, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), by age and sex in 204 countries and territories, from 1990 to 2021. We included morbidity and deaths due to neurological conditions, for which health loss is directly due to damage to the CNS or peripheral nervous system. We also isolated neurological health loss from conditions for which nervous system morbidity is a consequence, but not the primary feature, including a subset of congenital conditions (ie, chromosomal anomalies and congenital birth defects), neonatal conditions (ie, jaundice, preterm birth, and sepsis), infectious diseases (ie, COVID-19, cystic echinococcosis, malaria, syphilis, and Zika virus disease), and diabetic neuropathy. By conducting a sequela-level analysis of the health outcomes for these conditions, only cases where nervous system damage occurred were included, and YLDs were recalculated to isolate the non-fatal burden directly attributable to nervous system health loss. A comorbidity correction was used to calculate total prevalence of all conditions that affect the nervous system combined.FindingsGlobally, the 37 conditions affecting the nervous system were collectively ranked as the leading group cause of DALYs in 2021 (443 million, 95% UI 378–521), affecting 3·40 billion (3·20–3·62) individuals (43·1%, 40·5–45·9 of the global population); global DALY counts attributed to these conditions increased by 18·2% (8·7–26·7) between 1990 and 2021. Age-standardised rates of deaths per 100 000 people attributed to these conditions decreased from 1990 to 2021 by 33·6% (27·6–38·8), and age-standardised rates of DALYs attributed to these conditions decreased by 27·0% (21·5–32·4). Age-standardised prevalence was almost stable, with a change of 1·5% (0·7–2·4). The ten conditions with the highest age-standardised DALYs in 2021 were stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications due to preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancer.InterpretationAs the leading cause of overall disease burden in the world, with increasing global DALY counts, effective prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies for disorders affecting the nervous system are needed

Microbiological, Physicochemical And Sensory Evaluation Of "Ori-Ese” Produced From Fortified Sorghum

Sorghum is one of the important crops used for the production of different fermented foods in Africa. However, due to the fact that the nutritional quality of sorghum is poor, there is a need for fortification of these cereals with legumes or other cereals to make nutritionally rich and acceptable fermented products. “Ori ese” - a fermented thick porridge was produced from sorghum fortified with different blends: Sorghum only (SO), Sorghum-soybeans (SYBO) ratio 3:1, Sorghum-millet (MO) ratio 3:1, Sorghum-wheat (WO) ratio 3:1 and Soybeans only (WSYO). The microbial isolates during steeping and slurry fermentation consisted of lactic acid bacteria: L. plantarum, L. fermentum, Pediococcus sp., L. acidophilus, Lactococcus lactis spp cremoris, L. cellobious, L. dextranicum, coliforms ( Enterobacter aerogenes, E. coli), other bacteria (Proteus sp, Coryniformis sp, Pseudomonas pseudomalle, Streptococcus surgis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella oxytoca, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus), moulds genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Absidia, Monilia and Verticillum) and 2 genera of yeast (Saccharomyces and Candida). Lactic acid increased with fermentation time and this resulted in elimination of coliforms. There was a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) in pH and lactic acid production during steeping and fermentation of slurry in which the highest lactic acid concentration was recorded at 72hrs. The result of proximate analysis showed that fortification of sorghum with cereals and soybean blends resulted in an increase in protein (14. 73e, 26. 47 b, 18. 79 c, 17. 58 d and 37. 69a %) for SO, SYBO, MO, WO and WSYO respectively. There was a relative reduction in carbohydrate content and an increase in mineral content of the blends. There was a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) in proximate and mineral composition of the blends. WSYO had the highest Ca (367.25a mg/100g) and P (726.85 a mg/100g) content while SO had the highest K content (86.27 a mg/100g), SYBO had the highest Fe content (1.86 a mg/100g) and MO had the highest Na content (57.42 a mg/100g). Statistical analysis of sensory evaluation showed a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) in terms of appearance, texture and palatability. There was a preference for SO in terms of appearance, for WSYO in terms of texture, SYBO in terms of flavor and taste and SYBO and SO in terms of palatability

Data for: Characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential on exopolysaccharide produced by wild and mutant Weissella confusa strains

characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential of exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by wild and mutant Weissella confusa. Wild Weissella confusa (WWCEPS) produced the highest EPS compare to the mutant strain. Eight (8) monosaccharides were present in the EPS. Galactose had the highest composition (34.60196 mg/100g and 33.47168 mg/100g EPS) in WWCEPS and mutant Weissella confusa EPS (MWCEPS). WWC and MWC EPS had antioxidant capacity. WWCEPS had the highest DPPH capacity, total antioxidant activity, hydrogen peroxide and reducing power activity (71%, 1.88%, 86.7% and 1.85%). Wild and mutant Weissella confusa EPS had immunomodulatory activity on the treated mice

Comparative influence of immobilization medium and mutation on EPS - production by L. Plantarum MK 02 isolated from fermented milk

PURPOSE: Comparative effect of mutation and immobilization on EPS-production L. plantarum MKO2 was investigated. METHODS: L. plantarum strain and EPS produced by wild, mutants, immobilized and unimmobilized strains was characterized. RESULTS: The EPS production by the Wild type L. plantarum MK O2 and the Mutant L. plantarum Muv 11 and Muv 12 ranged from 209.89 – 268.19 mg/l in which the highest value was produced by Mutant L. plantarum Muv 12. EPS production on immobilization in sodium alginate ranged from 225.00 – 263.44mg/l. Mutant L. plantarum Muv 12 had the highest while Wild type L. plantarum MK O2 had the least. EPS – production by un –immobilized Wild type L. plantarum MK O2 and Mutant L. plantarum Muv 11 and Muv 12 ranged from 215.00 – 255.00 mg/l. Immobilization in sodium alginate favoured EPS-production by wild type L. plantarum MK O2 (225.00 mg/l) and Mutant L. plantarum Muv 12 (272.00 mg/l) while immobilization in agar matrix favoured EPS –production by Mutant L. plantarum Muv 11 (265.67 mg/l). FT-IR spectroscopy of the EPS showed the presence of the varying degrees of functional groups which are usually associated with polysaccharides, thus confirming the EPS. CONCLUSION: Mutation and immobilization increased EPS production by the L. plantarum strains

Microbial Quality and Proximate Composition of Dried Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyxes in Uyo, Eastern Nigeria

Dried Hibiscus sabdarifa calyxes collected from different markets in Uyo, Eastern Nigeria were evaluated for microbial quality, Aflatoxin contamination and proximate composition. The results showed that all the calyxes were contaminated with microorganism. The total bacteria count ranged from 5.0 x 10^3 to 8.1 x 10^4 cfu/g in which the highest count was obtained from dried calyxes from Itam Market. Coliform were not detected in most of the sample except samples from Uyo main market and Ikot Ekpene market in which the coliform level is below the acceptable limit. Salmonella/Shigella was not detected in the sample. The fungi count ranged from 3.4 x 10^4 to 7.3 x 10^4. The associated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp. Enterococuss faecalis, Micrococcus sp. and Klebsiella sp. The associated fungi were Aspergillus flavus, A. terreus, A. glaucus, Penicillium citrinum, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus sp. and Mucor sp. A. glaucus had the highest frequency of occurrence among the isolated fungi. Out of the sample obtained Aflatoxin B1 was detected in two samples and it ranged from 1.57 to 17.8 /µg/kg. The proximate analysis revealed that the crude protein ranged from 8.34 – 9.97%, crude fibre (7.26 – 7.82%) and fat (8.51 – 9.26%). The moisture content ranged from 13.13 – 14.85%

Microbiological, Proximate And Heavy Metal Concentration In Penaeus Sp. (Shrimp) And Calllinectes Sp. (Crab) From Creeks In Niger Delta Nigeria

Microbial quality of Penaeus sp. and Callinectes sp. from Itu and Oron creeks in Niger Delta was investigated. The total bacteria population of samples varied from 1.60 x 10 7 - 9.70 x 10 8 cfu/g and 1.03 x 10 7 - 8.90 x 10 8 cfu/g for Penaeus sp. and Callinectes sp. from Itu and Oron creeks respectively. The results show that the samples contain unacceptable levels of bacteria with Penaeus sp. from Itu creek contaning up to 9.70 x 10 8 cfu/g. The coliform levels were generally high ranged from 6.20 x 10 7 - 9.40 x 10 7 cfu/g and 5.30 x 10 7 - 8.40 x x 10 7 cfu/g for the samples. The Vibro count varied from 6.90 x 10 7 - 8.20 x 10 8 cfu/g and 5.20 - 5.90 x 10 7 cfu/g for for the samples. The fungi count ranged from 3.10 - 3.70 x 10 7 cfu/g and 3.20 - 4.00 x 10 7 cfu/g. The bacteria isolates were E. coli, Streptococus sp. Serratia marcesens, Shigella sp, Bacllus sp, Vibrio sp. The fungi isolates were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus and Apergillus flavus. The total microbial counts obtained from this work were found to be higher than the specified standard limits (1x10 5 cfu/g) for bacteria and fungi and 1.x10 2 cfu/g for coliforms) by ICMSF and USFDA. Proximate determination shows that samples from Oron creek were nutritionally richer than that from Itu creek. Percentage protein content for the two creeks ranged from 29.85 d to 54.13 a % in which Penaeus sp. from Oron creek significantly had the highest. Callinectes sp. from Oron creek had the highest Ca (0.94 a mg/kg), P (0.74 a mg/kg) and K (0.21 a mg/kg) content. The concentration of metal ranges of Fe, Mg, Zn, Pb, Cd, Mn and Cu in the samples were 17.2 d - 22.7 a mg/kg, 130 - 281 a mg/kg, 24.4 d - 94.2 a mg/kg, 0.28 d - 0.84 a mg/kg, 0.02 d - 0.15 a mg/kg, 24.2 d - 88.6 a mg/kg and 3.4 d - 7.4 a mg/kg respectively. Penaeus sp. from Oron creek had the highest concentration of metals except for Pb and Cd. It was observed that different metals were present in the samples at different levels but majority were found to be within the standard limits prescribed by EU and FAO. Crustacean from the creeks in Niger Delta though nutritionally rich harbor pathogenic microorganism and heavy metals which can pose a serious health hazard to consumers as they are not totally safe for human consumption

The Association Between Selected Molecular Biomarkers and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Patterns in African Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertensive Patients Compared With Normotensive Controls: Protocol for a Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a burgeoning epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Abnormal blood pressure variations are prevalent in CKD and potentiate the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Certain genetic variants (angiotensin II receptor type 1 1166 A>C and angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion and deletion polymorphisms) and biomarkers such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, soluble (s) E-selectin, homocysteine, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein have been shown to affect blood pressure variability among non-African CKD, hypertensive. and nonhypertensive CKD population. However, the contributions of the pattern, genetic, and environmental determinants of ambulatory blood pressure in African CKD have not been characterized. Understanding these interactions may help to develop interventions to prevent major cardiovascular events among people with CKD. OBJECTIVE: The overarching objective of this study is to identify, document, and develop approaches to address related phenomic, genetic, and environmental determinants of ambulatory blood pressure patterns in African CKD and non-CKD hypertensive patients compared with normotensive controls. METHODS: This is a longitudinal short-term follow-up study of 200 adult subjects with CKD and 200 each of age-matched hypertensives without CKD and apparently healthy controls. Demographic information, detailed clinical profile, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure measurements will be obtained. Blood samples will be collected to determine albumin-creatinine ratio, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, electrolytes, urea and creatinine, C-reactive protein, serum homocysteine, fibroblast growth factor-23, and complete blood count, while 2 mL blood aliquot will be collected in EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tubes and mixed using an electronic rolling system to prevent blood clots and subsequently used for DNA extraction and genetic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 239 participants have been recruited so far, and it is expected that the recruitment phase will be complete in June 2020. The follow-up phase will continue with data analysis and publications of results. CONCLUSIONS: This study will help stratify Nigerian CKD patients phenotypically and genotypically in terms of their blood pressure variations with implications for targeted interventions and timing of medications to improve prognosis. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/14820

Bacterial Cellulose Production from agricultural Residues by two Komagataeibacter sp. Strains

Agricultural residues are constantly increasing with increased farming processes, and improper disposal is detrimental to the environment. Majority of these waste residues are rich in lignocellulose, which makes them suitable substrate for bacterial fermentation in the production of valueadded products. In this study, bacterial cellulose (BC), a purer and better form of cellulose, was produced by two Komagataeibacter sp. isolated from rotten banana and kombucha drink using corncob (CC) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) enzymatic hydrolyzate, under different fermentation conditions, that is, static, continuous, and intermittent agitation. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of the BC films were then investigated by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Dynamic mechanical analysis. Agitation gave a higher BC yield, with Komagataeibacter sp. CCUG73629 producing BC from CC with a dry weight of 1.6 g/L and 1.4 g/L under continuous and intermittent agitation, respectively, compared with that of 0.9 g/L in HS medium. While BC yield of dry weight up to 1.2 g/L was obtained from SCB by Komagataeibacter sp. CCUG73630 under continuous agitation compared to that of 0.3 g/L in HS medium. FTIR analysis showed BC bands associated with cellulose I, with high thermal stability. The FE-SEM analysis showed that BC fibers were highly ordered and densely packed. Although the BC produced by both strains showed similar physicochemical and morphological properties, the BC produced by the Komagataeibacter sp. CCUG73630 in CC under intermittent agitation had the best modulus of elasticity, 10.8 GPa and tensile strength, 70.9 MPa. [GRAPHICS