Effect of boiling and roasting on the proximate properties of asparagus bean (Vigna Sesquipedalis)

The proximate properties of asparagus bean flour obtained after boiling and roasting at 100 and 160°C, respectively for varied period were evaluated and compared in this study. Results showed that boiling for 40 min significantly (p<0.05) reduced protein and moisture contents by 10 and 6% respectively, but increased carbohydrate (CHO) content by 8%. Furthermore, it insignificantly (p>0.05) reduced fat, fibre and ash contents by 28, 13 and 21%, respectively. On the other hand, roasting for 20 min significantly (p<0.05) reduced protein and moisture by 11 and 43%, respectively, but increased CHO content by 14%. However, roasting reduced fat, fibre and ash by 20, 18 and 10%, respectively. However, the observed reduction was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Overall, the effects observed in this study were time dependent, suggesting possible enhancement with increasing processing time. Roasting markedly decreased the moisture content, implying that 20 min roasting probably enhanced the stability and kept the quality of the asparagus bean flour. Thus, roasting may be preferred to boiling for commercial production and storage of asparagus bean flour.Key words: Asparagus bean, boiling, roasting, crude protein, ash, fibre, moisture, fat, carbohydrate

A Cross-Sectional Study to Identify Factors Associated with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Among Foreign-Born In DeKalb County Georgia During 2008-2018

Purpose Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant health problem in foreign-born and accounted for 57% of all tuberculosis cases in the United States in 2006. Almost 20% of American tuberculosis cases are classified as extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Epidemiologic evidence suggests that the prevalence of EPTB in the US is declining at a much slower rate than pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This study is designed to examine the factors that are associated with the risk of EPTB in foreign-born residents of DeKalb county. Methods In this study, data from the Public Health Information Portal (PHIP), an online system from the Georgia Department of Public Health, was used. A cross-sectional study was conducted on US tuberculosis cases reported in DeKalb county from 2008 to 2018, classified as EPTB and PTB. EPTB encompassed lymphatic, pleural, bone and/or joint, genitourinary, meningeal, peritoneal, and unclassified EPTB cases. The data include demographic information, lifestyle variables, and clinical characteristics of the study subjects. Demographic characteristics and risk factors, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, were compared across TB status (EPTB vs. PTB). Results Foreign-born participants with HIV positive status, homelessness and IV drug users had a much higher chance of developing EPTB. Conclusion Awareness of the risk of extrapulmonary tuberculosis may help in developing a prevention strategy among foreign-born

Physico-chemical and toxicological studies on Afzelia africana seed and oil

Afzelia africana seeds were obtained from three locations, Abakaliki, Enugu and Nsukka, all in the Eastern part of Nigeria and de-hulled. The seed oil was extracted with (40 - 60°C) petroleum ether and the oil was separated from the solvent using a rotary evaporator. Result of analysis shows that the acid value, saponification value, specific gravity, free fatty acid and refractive index of the oil samples were lowest for the samples obtained from Nsukka. The average moisture content of the seeds from the various locations was 5.56 ± 0.5%. The crude protein (26.44%) and oil content (33.32%) did not varysignificantly with location or environment. The various oils were found to contain no less than 0.60 mg/100 g of oxalate, 0.70 mg/kg of phytate and neither tannins or cyanogenic glycosides. This paper empirically highlights the possible industrial applications as well as the safety of the seed oil

Monosodium glutamate: Potentials at inducing prostate pathologies in male Wistar rats

The potential of varying doses of monosodium glutamate (MSG) at altering the functional capacity of the prostate, and the possible role of increasing the concentration of either MSG or distilled water (DW) on such alteration were examined. To achieve these, adult male Wistar rats were treated daily and orally with MSG (5 and 10 mg/kg of body weight (BW)) and DW (1 and 2 ml/kg BW). After 28 days of treatment, the tested doses of MSG significantly elevated the serum total acid phosphatase (TAP) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) activities. Increasing the concentration of either DW or MSG elicited a quantitative but opposing influence on the serum TAP and PAP activities. Thus, medium-term ingestion of MSG might adversely alter the functional capacity of the prostate. The health implication of the alteration could be compounded by the opposing response elicited by increasing the concentration of either MSG or DW.Key words: Monosodium glutamate, total acid phosphatase, prostatic acid phosphatase, prostate cancer, prostatitis, benign prostate hyperplasia, infertilityAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(36), pp. 5950-5954, 6 September, 201

Seroprevalence Of HIV Infection Among Orthopaedic And Plastic Surgery Patients In Enugu, Nigeria - A Six Month Study

As the HIV pandemic continues to ravage every aspect of humanity, there is a need to document its incidence and prevalence in various medical subdivisions. This six-month study reports on the sero- prevalence of HIV infection among orthopaedic and plastic surgery in- patients. Out of a total of 121 patients screened using Capillus test kit for HIV-1 / HIV-2, 10 patients were HIV positive while 111 patients were HIV negative and this gave a seroprevalence of 8.26 percent. Out of these, 73 plastic surgery patients were screened of which 6 patients or 8.22 percent were HIV positive. This shows that the prevalence rates for both categories of patients were significantly higher than the 5.8 per cent national seroprevalence for HIV / AIDS. This raises a risk factor for both surgeons and other patients undergoing elective procedures in these two subdisciplines by contamination. Key words: HIV infection, seroprevalence, plastic, orthopaedic, surgery Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.19(1&2) 2004: 98-10

TODDLERS' NATURE, NURTURE AND THEIR ENGAGEMENT WITH SMART PHONES AND TABLETS

Children who are twenty-four months or less may be self-regulating when it comes to their engagement with digital devices because of their naturally short attention span. From a six-month observation of two children with parents who hold opposing views to early technology exposure (nurturing practices), in their digital and non-digital engagements, the researcher reveals that concerns about exposure of children below 18 months to digital devices needs to be given some more consideration in research. This observation was born out of an interest to find out plausible reasons for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation that children below 18 months be prevented from exposure to all forms of screen media apart from participating in video calls (AAP, 2016). The study employed the qualitative research methods of observation and interviews since the aim of the study was to make meaning of AAP’s recommendation from a natural and real-life environment in a microsystem where technology was readily available to these toddlers. Data from the study revealed that children at this age are naturally interested in exploring their environments regardless of nature, nurture and technology. They always longed-for opportunities to go out, engage in activities and interact with people or just admire nature and marvel at their ability to identify objects and materials in their environment. Parents’ perspective on digital exposure was revealed as a moderating factor in the toddlers’ use of technology. Though, temperament and attention span seemed to play noticeable roles in their level of interaction with people and objects involving digital or non-digital engagements. Alad loved to watch children’s programs on smart phones. Ghan on the other hand was always quick to grab the phones or iPads and go for the nearest garbage bins with a wide grin on his face. This action by the Ghan could be interpreted to mean that he wanted to eliminate all distractions, and have you focus on him while he engaged in non-digital play. A form of digital play that he favored was dancing while music played from the digital devices. Though he did not like this activity to be prolonged.  Article visualizations

Nutritional status and sociodemographic characteristics of ‘urban poor’ school children in Onitsha, Southeast Nigeria

Background: The neglect of the health and nutritional status of school aged children has adverse consequences on their long term cognition and survival. Sequel to emerging issues on urbanization and the health ofschool children, this study focused on the nutritional status and sociodemographic characteristics of ‘urban poor’ school children inOnitsha, a major city in South East Nigeria.Objectives: The study was aimed at determining the nutritional status and evaluating the effect of certain sociodemographic factors on the nutritional status of ‘urban poor’ public primary school children in Onitsha, South East NigeriaMethod: This was a cross sectional study of 788 children aged 6 to 12 years, randomly selected from 12 public primary schools in Onitsha metropolis. Their anthropometric measures were used to determine their nutritional status. Data on their sociodemographic characteristics was  obtained from their parents or caregivers using interviewer administered standardized questionnaires. Analysis was done using Microsoft Office Excel2007, SPSS version 17 and Epiinfo version 3.5.1 software packagesResults: Stunting was the predominant form of under nutrition with ahigher prevalence in the slum resident children. Greater than 60% ofall the children studied were from large families with more than 4 children. Family size, however, age and gender were not significantly associated with the nutritional status of the children. Relatively though, a greater  percentage of the stunted children were from large families.Conclusion: The nutritional status of ‘urban poor’ school children especially in slums in Onitsha is suboptimal compared with their counterparts in developed countries of the world. There is need for regional studies of children with similar characteristics who should be considered when  favourable health policies are being made for children

Effects of Separation on the Phytochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts and a Fraction of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) Leaves

The leaves of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) parasitic on Kola acuminata in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria were studied. The crude petroleum ether (CPE) extract, ethanol extract of the CPE residue (EER) and ethylacetate residue fraction of CPE (C) were separated into bands using thin layer chromatography (TLC) technique. The CPE, EER and C chromatographic bands of the Loranthus micranthus Linn leaves were subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation. Results of the phytochemical screening showed that the bands of CPE and EER afforded tannins, steroids and terpenes while that of C had tannins and terpenes only. Results of the antimicrobial activity revealed that CPE band 1 had an activity against Staphylococcus aureus while EER bands 1 and 2 were active against Bacillus subtilis. Band 1 of C alone was active against Bacillus subtilis, however, all the bands of C when combined had increased activity against other susceptible organisms suggesting synergism among the bands. The highest inhibition was noted in EER band 1 (20.30) while the least inhibition was observed in C band 2. Some of the band fractions showed lower activity while some showed similar level of activity when compared with the extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bands and that of the gentamycin ranged from 0.005 ?g/ml – 0.2791 ?g/ml. Keywords: Chromatographic band fractions, thin layer chromatography, antimicrobial activity, phytochemicals and separation.

Alterations in brain histomorphology and some homogenate antioxidant bio-pointers in L-arginine co-exposed aspartameassaulted rats

Assault-related oxidant effect of aspartame, an excitatory-non-nutritive sweetener, could be influenced by L-arginine, the sole precursor of a conditional antioxidant, nitric oxide. Herein, alterations in brain histomorphology and some homogenate antioxidant biopointers in L-arginine co-exposed aspartame-assaulted rats’ were evaluated in thirty male Wistar rats by standard protocols. Group A rats, control, were exposed to distilled water and had free access to feed. Groups B, C, D, E and F rats were, respectively exposed to aspartame (1000 mg/kg), aspartame (1000 mg/kg) plus Vitamin C (100 mg/kg), L-arginine (20 mg/kg), aspartame (1000 mg/kg) plus L-arginine (20 mg/kg) and aspartame (1000 mg/kg) plus L-arginine (40 mg/kg). Exposure to aspartame for twenty-one days caused a significantly increased  (p<0.05) catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and total protein concentrations but non-significantly reduced (p>0.05) ferric reducing antioxidant power in the rats’ brain homogenate, compared to  others. Brain histology of Groups A and F rats were preserved, compared to others. Thus, aspartame significantly compromised the determined antioxidant bio-pointers and histology while L-arginine particularly at 40 mg/kg ameliorated same in the rats’ brain via  apparent oxidant and antioxidant mechanism respectively

Phytochemical properties of some solvent fractions of petroleum ether extract of the African mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) leaves and their antimicrobial activity

The leaves of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) on Kola acuminata in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria were studied. The chloroform (A), ethyl acetate (B) and ethyl acetate residue (C) fractions of crude petroleum ether extract of L. micranthus Linn were subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation. Results reveal the presence of protein in fraction C, whereas flavonoids, steroids and terpenes were present in all the fractions, but in a low quantity. Fractions A and B had high, while fraction C had moderate quantity of tannins. However, high quantity of resins was present in fraction C followed by fraction A. Fraction B showed the highest susceptibility (25) to Bacillus subtilis, and was active against the fungus, Candida albicans, suggesting its higher potency and fungistatic potential. Apart from Klebsiella spp., the other organisms were not susceptible to fraction A, apparently owing to high resins but no protein content. Fraction C was active against the highest number of organisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. subtilis and Klebsiella spp.). In all, this study suggests that A, B and C fractions of crude petroleum ether leaf extract of L. micranthus Linn is parasitic on K. acuminate, may serve as source for compounds with therapeutic potentials. However, the fractionating solvents used in this study may not be the preferred choice for fractionating the active principles of L. micranthus Linn. Interestingly, the possible fungistatic potential of L. micranthus Linn parasitic on K. acuminata as observed in fraction B may be exploited in the design and development of fungistatic drug.Keywords: Phytochemical, antimicrobial, fungistatic, Loranthus micranthus Linn, Kola acuminata, mistleto