Purification and some properties of glucose isomerase from Bacillus megaterium

The objective of this study is to produce and purify glucose isomerase (GI) from Bacillus megaterium and to determine some of its properties. Soil sample was collected from cassava starch processing site and used immediately for bacterial isolation. Selected isolate produced the best GI activity in a preliminary test. The isolate was grown in media containing various carbon, nitrogen and metal salts for enzyme production. Among the carbon sources tested, Galactose gave the best yield (1.1 U/mg protein). Peptone was the best nitrogen source and caused the production of 0.85 U/mg protein. Of the tested metal salts, MgSO4.7H2O caused the production of the best enzyme activity of 0.81 U/mg protein. The GI was purified by precipitation with (NH4)2SO4 and chromatography on diethyl amino-ethyl (DEAE) – cellulose and DEAE-sephadex G-200 column. Thereafter, the enzyme activity was determined with the optimum temperature and pH at 40oC and 6.0 respectively. The enzyme was also characterized with a molecular weight of 65kDa as determined by the SDS – PAGE analysis. The enzyme could be applied in the production of high fructose corn syrup.Key words: Glucose isomerase, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, metal ions, enzyme purificatio

Formulation and Development of a Feed Stock Code-Named Musarpoms from Locally-Derived Non-Conventional Feed-Stuffs for Animal Production

Plantain peels and palm oil mill slurry are discarded as waste from the processing industry in our locality, which accumulates and thereby constituting menace to the environment. The current rising cost of grains and concentrates used in the production of livestock feeds, has led to the alternative use of non-conventional feed stuffs such as ripe plantain peels and palm oil mill slurry, amongst others. The objective of this study was to formulate and develop a feed stock from locally derived non-conventional feed stuffs for animal feeds production code-named MUSARPOMS using appropriate standard technique. The major ingredient for MUSARPOMS is ripe plantain peels and palm oil mill slurry. The results revealed that MSP25% recorded highest crude protein (CP) value of 22.17 %, it was not significantly (P>0.05) different from the CP values (20.42 %) obtained from MSP50% but significantly (P<0.05) different from MSP75% value of 19.25 %. The crude fibre (CF) values were not significantly (P >0.05) different among the different grades. Ash and NFE values differ significantly amongst treatment. MSP75% recorded highest Ash and NFE value of 8.28 % and 515.60 % respectively. It was observed that the reducing levels of MUSARPOMS fermented mixture grade formulations, resulted in proportional increase in the crude protein of the emerging ingredients. 25% MUSARPOMS grade had a higher crude protein value of 22.17 % compare to 50% MUSARPOMS value of 20.42 and 75% MUSARPOMS value of 19.25 % and far above the 10.69 % of the plantain peels

Chemical Compositions of Leaf Protein Concentrate and Bagasse of Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) Leaves obtained from three Different Locations in Benin City, Nigeria

To optimize food and feed production in Nigeria and meet protein demands, viable options need to be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Freshly harvested Pride of Barbados leaves were obtained from three different locations in Benin City and processed for its leaf protein concentrate and bagasse using heat coagulated method. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse were analysed for proximate and mineral compositions using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis revealed that the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash, and nitrogen free extract contents of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrates were 91.17%, 31.12%, 8.33%, 7.92%, 8.2%, and 35.3%, respectively. Pride of Barbados bagasse had a lower crude protein (9.22%) but higher fibre content (10.72%) compared to those of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate. Na, K, Ca, and Mg were the most abundant minerals in Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Chromium was very low in the leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Proximate compositions were significantly (p<0.05) affected by location. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse can be used as livestock feed ingredient

Impact of HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) Knowledge on HIV Prevention Practices Among Traditional Birth Attendants in Nigeria

Nigeria is second in the world for the number of people with HIV and has a high rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Over 60% of births in Nigeria occur outside of health care facilities, and because of this, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) play a significant role in maternal and child health. It is important that TBAs be knowledgeable about HIV prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) knowledge on the HIV prevention practices among TBAs in Nigeria. Five hundred TBAs were surveyed. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to assess differences in HIV prevention practices between TBAs with and without HTC knowledge. TBAs with HTC knowledge are significantly more likely to engage in HIV prevention practices than TBAs without HTC. Prevention practices included: wearing gloves during delivery (p \u3c 0.01), sterilization of delivery equipment (p \u3c 0.01), participation in blood safety training (p \u3c 0.01), and disposal of sharps (p \u3c 0.01). As long as a high percent of births occur outside health care facilities in Nigeria, there will be a need for TBAs. Providing TBAs with HTC training increases HIV prevention practices and can be a key to improve maternal and child health

Who are these People? Let\u27s Find Out!

Panel Chair: Camin Melton Papers presented: Muted Group Theory: A Struggle for Representation by Niall E. Walsh Abstract: This paper examines the concept of Cheris Kramarae\u27s Muted Group Theory as it applies to a range of texts. The theory asserts that women have historically been at a disadvantage in society due to their inability to properly communicate their experiences. This problem is a direct result of a patriarchal society that has constructed predominantly masculine modes of communication. Cloelia: Breaking Class Ceilings Before it Was Cool (and How it Inspired Me) by Lindsay Kline Abstract: Cloelia lived during the sixth century at a time when women had no rights of which to speak. Men exclusively dominated all roles in government and society. Women seldom dared to step outside the pre-ordained boundaries that had been set for them, and, when they did, they often regretted it because of the backlash they received. Before Rome became a great empire, in its early beginnings, Cloelia broke all the society norms and disregarded the role that her countrymen expected her to play, in favor of the well-being of herself and the women with her. She lived in Rome which had not yet found its footing and struggled to survive in the vicious world of those vying for world domination. Many imperials set their eyes on Rome as a prize to add to their territory, and, as a result, the infant Roman population endured numerous military attacks. Yet, Rome did not fall. One after the other, dictators with large military advantages encountered an intangible force they had not entered into their strategic calculations: heart. Women in Egypt: A Case Study of Influential Hellenistic Royal Women by Anastasia E. Zaluckyj Exploring Coming of Age and Criticism in The Secret Life of Bees by Crystal O. Nwokoro Anne Bradstreet and Counter Culture by BeLynn Hollers Abstract: Through close readings of Anne Bradstreet, the first American poet, questions surfaced about the importance of Bradstreet’s tile and pioneer-ship. Even though many scholar’s divide Bradstreet in order to understand her poetry and in their operation within their lenses; the paper challenges the productive value of those lenses through the creation of a more productive one. The lens of counter-culture defines attitudes displayed within the confines of its dominant culture. In other words, counter-culture doesn’t completely disregard the societal circumstances of the dominant culture therefore, operating within and resisting areas of the culture internally. The examination and reading through this lens opens up Bradstreet’s poems, allowing for discovery into ideas that accept her as a whole rather then divide her spiritual, social, and political views. This type of evaluation in regards to Bradstreet’s work reflects the arguments of many scholars however, this definition births new realities of who and what Bradstreet is. The paper will utilize a modern word to combine Bradstreet in place of division; which many scholar’s favor. Therefore, ideas such as Bradstreet through the lens of counter-culture reveals her identity in conjunction with gender as transgressive, are given opportunity to breathe in an alternative format. Through close readings of her poems the paper will reveal Bradstreet’s actions that resist the “either/or” argument made by many scholars hence, allowing the counter-culture lens to explore Bradstreet as “both/and.” Heart of Darkness: A Journey Through the Unconscious Mind by Paul Z. Armstrong Edgar Allen Poe: From Shame to Fame by Lindsay Caudill Abstract: This is a research paper over the chronologically-ordered tragic events and their distinct impact on Edgar Allan Poe\u27s life with direct emphasis on the adaptation and correlation of his works that were brought into modern literature today. Edgar Allan Poe is widely known as an American writer, editor and literary critic. Poe has had a profound effect on literature as it is endeavored today

A High Through-Put Reverse Genetic Screen Identifies Two Genes Involved in Remote Memory in Mice

Previous studies have revealed that the initial stages of memory formation require several genes involved in synaptic, transcriptional and translational mechanisms. In contrast, very little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying later stages of memory, including remote memory (i.e. 7-day memory). To identify genes required for remote memory, we screened randomly selected mouse strains harboring known mutations. In our primary reverse genetic screen, we identified 4 putative remote memory mutant strains out of a total of 54 lines analyzed. Additionally, we found 11 other mutant strains with other abnormal profiles. Secondary screens confirmed that mutations of integrin β2 (Itgβ2) and steryl-O-acyl transferase 1 (Soat1) specifically disrupted remote memory. This study identifies some of the first genes required for remote memory, and suggests that screens of targeted mutants may be an efficient strategy to identify molecular requirements for this process

Laparoscopy in management of appendicitis in high-, middle-, and low-income countries: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Differences between high- and low-income settings in the availability of laparoscopic appendectomy, alternative management choices, and outcomes are poorly described. The aim was to identify variation in surgical management and outcomes of appendicitis within low-, middle-, and high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study. Consecutive sampling of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy over 6 months was conducted. Follow-up lasted 30 days. RESULTS: 4546 patients from 52 countries underwent appendectomy (2499 high-, 1540 middle-, and 507 low-HDI groups). Surgical site infection (SSI) rates were higher in low-HDI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.33-4.99, p = 0.005) but not middle-HDI countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.52, p = 0.291), compared with high-HDI countries after adjustment. A laparoscopic approach was common in high-HDI countries (1693/2499, 67.7%), but infrequent in low-HDI (41/507, 8.1%) and middle-HDI (132/1540, 8.6%) groups. After accounting for case-mix, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p < 0.001) and SSIs (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33, p < 0.001). In propensity-score matched groups within low-/middle-HDI countries, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.23 95% CI 0.11-0.44) and SSI (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach is associated with better outcomes and availability appears to differ by country HDI. Despite the profound clinical, operational, and financial barriers to its widespread introduction, laparoscopy could significantly improve outcomes for patients in low-resource environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02179112

Global economic burden of unmet surgical need for appendicitis

Background: There is a substantial gap in provision of adequate surgical care in many low-and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify the economic burden of unmet surgical need for the common condition of appendicitis. Methods: Data on the incidence of appendicitis from 170 countries and two different approaches were used to estimate numbers of patients who do not receive surgery: as a fixed proportion of the total unmet surgical need per country (approach 1); and based on country income status (approach 2). Indirect costs with current levels of access and local quality, and those if quality were at the standards of high-income countries, were estimated. A human capital approach was applied, focusing on the economic burden resulting from premature death and absenteeism. Results: Excess mortality was 4185 per 100 000 cases of appendicitis using approach 1 and 3448 per 100 000 using approach 2. The economic burden of continuing current levels of access and local quality was US $92 492 million using approach 1 and$73 141 million using approach 2. The economic burden of not providing surgical care to the standards of high-income countries was $95 004 million using approach 1 and$75 666 million using approach 2. The largest share of these costs resulted from premature death (97.7 per cent) and lack of access (97.0 per cent) in contrast to lack of quality. Conclusion: For a comparatively non-complex emergency condition such as appendicitis, increasing access to care should be prioritized. Although improving quality of care should not be neglected, increasing provision of care at current standards could reduce societal costs substantially

Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)

Background: This study provides a global overview of the management of patients with acute cholecystitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: CHOLECOVID is an international, multicentre, observational comparative study of patients admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on management were collected for a 2-month study interval coincident with the WHO declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and compared with an equivalent pre-pandemic time interval. Mediation analysis examined the influence of SARS-COV-2 infection on 30-day mortality. Results: This study collected data on 9783 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to 247 hospitals across the world. The pandemic was associated with reduced availability of surgical workforce and operating facilities globally, a significant shift to worse severity of disease, and increased use of conservative management. There was a reduction (both absolute and proportionate) in the number of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from 3095 patients (56.2 per cent) pre-pandemic to 1998 patients (46.2 per cent) during the pandemic but there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality after cholecystectomy comparing the pre-pandemic interval with the pandemic (13 patients (0.4 per cent) pre-pandemic to 13 patients (0.6 per cent) pandemic; P = 0.355). In mediation analysis, an admission with acute cholecystitis during the pandemic was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death (OR 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 1.79, P = 0.121). Conclusion: CHOLECOVID provides a unique overview of the treatment of patients with cholecystitis across the globe during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study highlights the need for system resilience in retention of elective surgical activity. Cholecystectomy was associated with a low risk of mortality and deferral of treatment results in an increase in avoidable morbidity that represents the non-COVID cost of this pandemic