Association Between Age, Gender and Body Weight in Educational Institutions in Ota, Southwest Nigeria

Background and Objective: There is paucity of data on the association between body weight and age or gender in Nigeria. This study investigated the body weight distribution amongst sexes and different age groups in educational institutions in Ota, Southwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The participants, 1394 (609%; 785&) healthy persons, were randomly selected from four schools in Canaanland, Ota and divided into six age groups: 2-5, 6-12, 13-19, 20-39, 40-59 and 60-75 years. Body weight was categorized into normal weight, underweight, overweight and obesity using CDC age and sex-specific BMI cut-offs for 2-19 years and WHO cut-offs for 20 years and above. Strength of association was assessed by correlation and regression analyses. Results: Underweight was prevalent at early childhood (22.7%) whereas obesity was predominant at middle adulthood (26.4%). Correlation was strong (p<0.001) between age and the anthropometric parameters: Weight (0.696); height (0.317); BMI (0.612) and body weight category (0.200). Gender had significant correlation with weight (-0.314, p<0.001) and height (-0.056, p<0.005). Body weight correlated more with age compared to gender. Conclusion: Age and gender had significant influence on the body weights of the studied population and could be factored into the national scheme for health and nutritional improvement

Reactive Sulphydryl Groups in Horse Carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin

Background and Objective: Reactive sulphydryl groups in haemoglobin has been related with oxygen binding. In this study, the researchers analyzed the reactive sulphydryl groups in horse (Equus ferus caballus) carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin. Materials and Methods: Hemolysate gotten from fresh horse blood was converted to yield the carbonmonoxy derivative. It was then separated via carboxymethylcellulose into major and minor fractions of haemoglobin. These fractions were titrated with Ellmanʼs reagent (DTNB) and p-hydroxymercuri(II)benzoate (p-MB) stock solutions in increasing volumes. Results: Results showed that two sulphydryl groups reacted with DTNB and p-MB in both major and minor haemoglobin fractions. p-MB is known to be more reactive with thiols than DTNB, on the other hand the reactivity is the same with horse carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin. Conclusion: This study will enable a better understanding as regards the kinetics and equilibrium behind this reaction

Reactive Sulphydryl Groups in Horse Carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin

Background and Objective: Reactive sulphydryl groups in haemoglobin has been related with oxygen binding. In this study, the researchers analyzed the reactive sulphydryl groups in horse (Equus ferus caballus) carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin. Materials and Methods: Hemolysate gotten from fresh horse blood was converted to yield the carbonmonoxy derivative. It was then separated via carboxymethylcellulose into major and minor fractions of haemoglobin. These fractions were titrated with Ellmanʼs reagent (DTNB) and p-hydroxymercuri(II)benzoate (p-MB) stock solutions in increasing volumes. Results: Results showed that two sulphydryl groups reacted with DTNB and p-MB in both major and minor haemoglobin fractions. p-MB is known to be more reactive with thiols than DTNB, on the other hand the reactivity is the same with horse carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin. Conclusion: This study will enable a better understanding as regards the kinetics and equilibrium behind this reaction

Reactive Sulphydryl Groups present in Horse (Equus Ferus Caballus) Carbonmonoxyhaemoglobin by Titrating with 5, 5′-Dithiobis-2-Nitrobenzoate (DTNB)

This research was carried out to determine the number of reactive sulphydryl groups in horse (Equus ferus caballus) haemoglobin. Haemolysate was prepared from the horse blood. The haemoglobin was separated into major and minor fractions using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-52). Each haemoglobin fraction, in phosphate buffer pH 7.6, was accurately measured into several clean, dry test tubes. Increasing volumes of stock 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoate (DTNB) were added to the different test tubes and left to equilibrate for 3 hours. Absorbance of each solution in each test tube was read at 412 nm. A graph of change in absorbance against the volume of DTNB was plotted; maximum change in absorbance was obtained at the point where the graph levels off. The ratios of 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoate (TNB) concentration to the concentration of haemoglobin tetramer (Hb4) were calculated and plotted against the volume of DTNB. The number of sulphydryl groups reacting with DTNB was found to be two in both the major and minor haemoglobi

Phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant assessment of Yoyo bitters

In this paper, herbal bitters are widely used due to their numerous acclaimed health benefits in many Nigerian homes; however, many have not been subjected to scientific scrutiny. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of a non-alcoholic polyherbal formulation, Yoyo bitters, towards validating its broad pharmacological claims. The phytochemical components of Yoyo bitters were ascertained by phytochemical screening assays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of Yoyo bitters showed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and anthocyanins. The total phenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins and carotenoids content were 14.741 ±0.64 mg GAE/ml, 0.152 ±0.01 mg RE/ml, 0.437 ±0.02 mg RE/ml, 0.368 ±0.04 mg TAE/ml and 0.016 ±0.00 mg CAE/ml respectively. GC-MS chromatogram revealed the presence of forty-three (43) phytochemical compounds with D-allose (41.81%), 1,6-anhydro-beta-D-glucofuranose (24.15%), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (8.02%) and Z-6-pentadecen-1-ol acetate (3.50%) as the most abundant constituents. Yoyo bitters demonstrated effective antioxidant activity against DPPH and H2O2 with IC50 values of 0.492 mg/ml and 0.629 mg/ml respectively compared to ascorbic acid of 0.161 mg/ml and 0.130 mg/ml respectively. Total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power of Yoyo bitters were 0.432 mg AAE/ml and 2.236 mg AAE/ml respectively. This study validates the antioxidant capacity of Yoyo bitters and provides chemical basis for its acclaimed pharmacological actions

Utilization of nanochitosan in the sterilization of ponds and water treatment for aquaculture

Water pollution constitutes the leading cause of infant mortality, neonatal deformities, and shrinkage of man’s average life expectancy. Pollutants come from point and nonpoint sources; and water pollution arises from the discharge of wastewater containing undesirable impurities used for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. More so, high nutrient and wastewater runoffs from fish production systems contribute to the fouling and eutrophication of recipient water bodies. Hence, aquaculture which is inextricably linked to the natural environment is challenged by the dearth of appropriate water quantity and quality, militating against fish, and fishery production. Nanochitosans as polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin, comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1-4) glycosidic linkages. They are naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and exoskeletons of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans. The unique attributes of chitin confer a wide range of biotechnological applications on the polymer, observed in flocculation as a wastewater treatment and purification route initiated by chitosan. This chapter highlights nanochitosan properties of aquaculture relevance; and elucidates the purification potentials of nanochitosan, compared to inorganic coagulants and organic polymeric flocculants. Effects of chitosan on contaminants and microorganisms, as well as applications in fish pathogens detection, fish disease diagnosis, and control are discussed

Nanochitosan derived from marine bacteria

Nanochitosans are polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin and comprise a series of 2‐deoxy‐2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß‐(1‐4) glycosidic linkages. These are naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and the exoskeleton of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans. Reports of chitosan production from unicellular marine bacteria inhabiting the sea, and possessing distinct animal‐ and plant‐like characteristics abound. This capacity to synthesize chitosan from chitin arises from response to stress under extreme environmental conditions, as a means of survival. Consequently, the microencapsulation of these nanocarriers results in new and improved chitosan nanoparticles, nanochitosan. This nontoxic bioactive material which can serve as an antibacterial agent, gene delivery vector as well as carrier for protein and drug release as compared with chitosan, is limited by its nonspecific molecular weight and higher composition of deacetylated chitin. This chapter highlights the biology and diversity of nanochitosan‐producing marine bacteria, including the factors influencing their activities, survival, and distribution. More so, the applications of marine bacterial nanochitosans in transfection and gene delivery; wound healing and drug delivery; feed supplement development and antimicrobial activity are discussed

Next Generation Nanochitosan Applications in Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture and Food Conservation

Studies have identified the properties of enzymes, functionalized molecules, and compounds in food industry applications as edible coatings and encapsulations, that assure prolonged food quality and standards. These molecules present benefits of longer shelf-life by delayed deterioration and inhibition of the proliferation of spoilage and mycotoxigenic microorganisms. However, challenges of reduced nutrient levels, miniaturized size, and low chemical stability remain concerning. Chitosan polymers naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and exoskeletons of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans offer improved benefits when functionalized into nanoparticles as nanochitosans. These polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin, comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1- 4) glycosidic linkages. This chapter considers the health impacts and microbiological health hazards associated with animal feeds quality and the enzyme immobilization potentials of nanochitosans in animalbased food and feed packages. Thereafter, nanochitosan properties and benefits are compared against traditional preservatives from microbes and plants; with highlights on current challenges in the application of nanochitosan for enzyme immobilization

Chapter 21 - Utilization of nanochitosan in the sterilization of ponds and water treatment for aquaculture

Water pollution constitutes the leading cause of infant mortality, neonatal deformities, and shrinkage of man’s average life expectancy. Pollutants come from point and nonpoint sources; and water pollution arises from the discharge of wastewater containing undesirable impurities used for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. More so, high nutrient and wastewater runoffs from fish production systems contribute to the fouling and eutrophication of recipient water bodies. Hence, aquaculture which is inextricably linked to the natural environment is challenged by the dearth of appropriate water quantity and quality, militating against fish, and fishery production. Nanochitosans as polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin, comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1-4) glycosidic linkages. They are naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and exoskeletons of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans. The unique attributes of chitin confer a wide range of biotechnological applications on the polymer, observed in flocculation as a wastewater treatment and purification route initiated by chitosan. This chapter highlights nanochitosan properties of aquaculture relevance; and elucidates the purification potentials of nanochitosan, compared to inorganic coagulants and organic polymeric flocculants. Effects of chitosan on contaminants and microorganisms, as well as applications in fish pathogens detection, fish disease diagnosis, and control are discussed

Utilization of nanochitosan for enzyme immobilization of aquatic and animal-based food packages

Studies have identified the properties of enzymes, functionalized molecules, and compounds in food industry applications as edible coatings and encapsulations, that assure prolonged food quality and standards. These molecules present benefits of longer shelf-life by delayed deterioration and inhibition of the proliferation of spoilage and mycotoxigenic microorganisms. However, challenges of reduced nutrient levels, miniaturized size, and low chemical stability remain concerning. Chitosan polymers naturally formed from the deacetylation of shellfish shells and exoskeletons of aquatic arthropods and crustaceans offer improved benefits when functionalized into nanoparticles as nanochitosans. These polysaccharides produced by the alkalescent deacetylation of chitin, comprise a series of 2-deoxy-2 (acetylamino) glucose linked by ß-(1-4) glycosidic linkages. This chapter considers the health impacts and