Effect of monosodium glutamate on the liver and kidney function of adult albino rats and the protective potentials of vitamin E

Background of the study: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is one of the world's most extensively used food additives which is ingested as part of commercially processed foods. MSG produces a flavor that cannot be provided by other foods. It elicits a taste described by Japanese as umami, which is translated to "savory". Materials and methods: A total 24 male adult albino rats weighing (80-120 g) were used in the study. They were randomly assigned to 4 groups, and six rats per groups and three replicates of two rats per replicate. Group 1 served as the control group and the groups 2, 3, and 4 served as the test groups. MSG was administered to rats at dose of 0.6 mg/g body weight for 30 days. Results: Body weight and relative liver and kidney weights of the rat significantly increased. Regarding to liver functions, the activities of alanine transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) significantly (P<0.05) increased in the serum on MSG administration, meanwhile serum total protein, albumin and serum total bilirubin significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Serum urea and creatinine were significantly (P<0.05) increased. In the histology, the kidney of the rats treated with MSG had early degeneration changes like glomerular shrinkage, affected urinary tubules and connective tissues while the liver had depleted cytoplasm, eroded endothelial layer and degenerated nuclei. Vitamin E co-administered with MSG, significantly restored the body weight and the relative liver and kidney functions to slightly controlled levels. Conclusion: The results showed that MSG at the dose of 0.6 mg/g body weight may cause an adverse effect on the hepatic and renal function which may be due to oxidative stress induced by MSG on the liver and kidney tissue. Supplementation of vitamin E was capable of ameliorating MSG-induced oxidative stress on hepatic and renal functions

Nutritional and microbiological quality of kunun-zaki beverage produced in Owerri Muncipal

Nutritional and Microbiological qualities of kunu-zaki hawked at different locations in Owerri municipal were assessed and evaluated. Three major locations of production and sales namely: Shell-camp, Ama-Hausa and Obinze all in Owerri municipal were selected for sampling of kunuzaki. Laboratory prepared sample of kunu-zaki was used as control. Samples of kunu were evaluated for microbiological quality such as total bacteria and fungi counts also, biochemical characterization of bacteria and morphological characterization of fungi. Chemical properties which include proximate composition, titrable acidity, pH, total solid and minerals were also examined. Results showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) on all the chemical properties of samples examined. The moisture content ranged from 85.14% to 89.57% while crude protein was between 2.20% and 4.09%. Ash content varied significantly (P>0.05) with range 1.67% to 2.33%. Crude fiber content of 0.71% of control was higher than 0.68%, 0.53% and 0.44% found on the hawked kunu-zaki sample. Total carbohydrate was found within ranged values of 5.54% to 7.74%. Total solid content among kunu-zaki samples ranged from 12.54mg/100g to 14.32mg/100g, pH ranged 5.37 to 5.76 and acidity of the kunu-zaki samples varied but ranged from 0.23% of sample collected from Obinze location to 0.28% of Ama-Hausa kunu-zaki sample. Mineral contents of kunu-zaki samples differed significantly (P<0.05), calcium content of 32.09mg/100g was higher than 31.21mg/100g, 27.31mg100g and 12.53mg/100g. Potassium content ranged from 311.63mg/100g to 449.03mg/100g. Control laboratory sample was found with highest content of 11.74mg/100g magnesium, 4.81mg/100g iron and 30.26mg/100g vitamin C. Total bacteria counts of the kunu-zaki samples  ere not the same; control laboratory sample was least, 3.0 x 106 cfu/mL of heterotrophic bacteria, 3.0 x 106 cfu/mL of total Staphylococcus count and 9.0 x 106 cfu/mL of fungi counts. Bacteria identified are Bacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella while fungi suspected include Mucor spp, Saccharomyces spp, Aspergillus spp and Rhizopus. However, laboratory processed samples made kunu-zaki beverage were more acceptable with least microbial load. Good manufacturing and good hygiene practices should be given utmost importance during production to avoid microbial contamination that may cause food borne illness.Keywords: Nutritional, microbiological, Kunun- zaki beverag

The Effect of Moderate Alcohol Intake on Gallblader Motility A Milk Ultrasonographic Study

Objectives: To assess the effect of periodic and moderate alcohol intake on gallbladder motility. Methods: The ultrasonographic ellipsoid method was used in 21 healthy male subjects: 12 non-alcohol and 9 alcohol drinkers. The stimulus for gallbladder contraction was 165 ml of half cream milk. Gallbladder dynamics were studied for 20 minutes following the ingestion of the milk. The mean percentage change in gallbladder volume after 10 and 20 minutes gave indications of gallbladder motility. Results: Moderate and periodic alcohol intake did not stimulate rapid postprandial gallbladder emptying. Conclusion: The protective effect of alcohol against biliary cholesterol cholelithiasis could not be due to stimulation of gallbladder emptying

Relationship between placental thickness and growth parameters in normal Nigerian foetuses

To investigate the relationship between placental thickness and foetal growth parameters in normal singleton Nigerian foetuses. Six hundred and sixty-six pregnant Nigerian women were studied byultrasound in a cross sectional prospective study at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Nigeria. The pregnancies were in the second and third trimesters, and were not complicated by either maternal orfoetal disease. BPD and AC were measured, and the placental thickness was measured at the insertion of the umbilical cord. A nomogram of placental thickness was formulated while the relationshipbetween placental thickness and, BPD and AC was investigated by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Mathematical relationships between placental thickness and, BPD and AC were derived by regressionanalysis. Values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical tests were two-tailed with

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including ‘Diabetes’ ‘Gabon’ ‘Toxicity’ ‘Constituents’ ‘hyperglycaemia’ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Performance of local fowls fed plantain peels meal

Experiment was carried out to determine performance of day old local fowls, fed supplemented plantain peels meal (PPM). The birds were arranged in completely randomized design having six birds per replicate and two treatments comprising one test diet and one control diet. At starter phase, all the parameters (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio) measured were not significant (p>0.05). The birds on the test diet had average initial weight, 42.00g while that of the control had average weight, 43.75g and at 5 weeks of age average weights of 133.30g and 134.54g (p>0.05) ,respectively. At the finisher phase, all the parameters measured were not significant (p>0.5). The prices per kg of feed for the test and control diets were N93.05 and N95.05, respectively. Therefore, PPM inclusion fed at early stage of life of the birds enhanced performance at a lower costKeywords: Performance, local fowls, plantain peels mea

Teologiczna analiza synkretystycznych i pogańskich wierzeń oraz praktyk religijnych w czasie pogrzebów katolickich w Igboland w Nigerii

Artykuł podejmuje problem obecności synkretystycznych i pogańskich wierzeń oraz praktyk religijnych związanych ze śmiercią i pogrzebem katolickim wśród ludności Igboland w Nigerii, który to teren znany jest jako zdecydowanie katolicki. Autor charakteryzuje konkretne przykłady synkretystycznych i pogańskich wierzeń oraz praktyk religijnych związanych z pochówkiem, jak wiara w złe duchy, zemsta i odwet na zmarłym, konieczność oczyszczenia i okupu złożonego za zmarłego „złą śmiercią”, rytuał wypicia wody, którą umyto ciało zmarłego przez podejrzanego o zadanie mu śmierci. W kolejnej części artykułu zostały przedstawione teologiczne i moralne konsekwencje wcześniej opisanych wierzeń i praktyk. Artykuł wieńczy ogólny wniosek, że według autora błędem jest traktowanie tychże praktyk i wierzeń jako części inkulturacji. Uważa on, że inkulturacja, jako właściwy sposób ewangelizacji, polega na uznaniu oraz włączaniu przez Kościół danej kultury w tych jej przejawach, które są zgodne z wiarą chrześcijańską. Te niezgodne z nią powinny być oczyszczone i nie mogą być inkulturowane, gdyż wówczas rodziłby się synkretyzm, który zagrażałby tożsamości chrześcijaństwa i Kościoła.“Death is generally seen as the cessation of the connection between our mind and our body”. Most people believe that death takes place when the heart stops beating. Death occurs when the subtle consciousness finally leaves the body to go to the next life. “In order word death is the termination of all biological functions that sustain the living organism.” According to Catechism of the Catholic Church, “death is the separation of the soul from the body.” At the moment of death, the soul separates from the body. One particular belief that cuts across all cultures and religions is that all human beings must die and ought to be buried as a sign of respect and farewell. The question is what is the nature or rather what should be the nature of the burial and funeral rite of a deceased person? Do all human beings have the same or common burial and funeral rites or do our burial and funeral rites vary according to our religion, faith, beliefs, culture, age and understanding? Catholic Church teaches that death is a transformation and not the end of life. It is the teaching and belief of the Catholic Church that there is a resurrection and life of glory in heaven where those who have done well while on earth see God face to face. Catholic Church also teaches and believes that on the last day, both the body and the soul will rise to see the glory of God. For this reason, the body of a dead Catholic deserves some respect and dignity. This corpse should be given the respect and dignity it deserves during burial. However, this is not always the case especially in Igboland, Nigeria. There are some syncretistic and fetish beliefs and practices associated with some Catholic burials and funerals in Igboland. This paper therefore sets out to bring to light these syncretic, paganistic and fetish practices and beliefs associated with Catholic burials and funerals in Igboland. It will also offer some theological implications of these practices as well as the possible ways through which they can be curtailed and stopped

Blood chemistry and relative organ weights of rabbits fed neem leaf meal based diets

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of neem leaf meal (NLM) based diets on blood and relative organ weight characteristics of rabbits. In the first experiment, 36 rabbit bucks aged 7 to 8 months were distributed into four dietary groups, T1 , T2 T3 and T4 of 9 rabbits using completely randomized design. Each group was replicated 3 times with 3 rabbits per replicate. Rabbits in T1 group were fed diet that contained 0% NLM while those in T2 T3 and T4 groups were fed diets that contained NLM at 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively for 112 days. In the second experiment, 36 rabbit does were used and experimental procedures were laid out as described in experiment 1. Blood samples for analysis, live weight and organ weights were collected from each replicate and data obtained analysed statistically. Higher (p<0.05) kidney weight was obtained for rabbit does on diets T2 T3 and T4 . Bucks on diet T2 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher pancreas weight than those on diet T1 diet. No significant effect (p>0.05) on haematological parameters was observed among all treatments except for MCV and neutrophils which were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the groups fed diets T2 and T4 and diets T1 and T3 groups respectively than others. Rabbit bucks and does on diet T1 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher serum cholesterol values than those on the other diets. Serum glucose value of rabbits on diet T4 was significantly (p<0.05) different from those on the other diets. Serum ALP value of rabbits on diet T1 differed significantly (p<0.05) from those on the other 3 diets with the exception of bucks on diet T4 that had similar value with those on diet T1 . Addition of neem leaf meal in rabbit diets increased serum AST and ALT values but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). It was therefore concluded that up to 5% of neem leaf meal can be included in the diet of pubertal rabbits without any deleterious effects on their organs and blood characteristics.Keywords: Rabbits, neem leaf meal, haematology, serum biochemistry, organ

Nutritional Evaluations and the Effects of Ensiled and Sun-Dried Cassava Peel Meals on the Performance of Finisher Broilers

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of ensiled cassava peel meal (ECPM) and sun-dried cassava peel meal (SCPM) on the performance of finisher broilers. Three treatment diets were formulated such that 50% of the maize in diet 1 (control) was replaced in diet 2 with ensiled cassava peel meal (ECPM) and in diet 3 with sun-dried cassava peel meal (SCPM). Each diet was fed to a group of 20 finisher broilers for four weeks. The birds fed on SCPM diet recorded significantly (p<0.05) depressed body weight. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the control birds and birds fed the ECPM diet in terms of body weight gain and growth rate. The feed conversion ratio of the groups followed similar trend. There was however significant difference (p<0.05) between the average feed intake of the control birds and those on sun dried cassava peel meal. Cost of feed was reduced by about 20% by replacing 50% of the maize in the control diet with either ECPM or SCPM in the finisher diets