Processing, utilization and challenges of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa, Jacque benth) in Arigidi Akoko, Ondo state, Nigeria

The study examined the processing, utilization and challenges of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) in Arigidi Akoko in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State. A total of 3,446 locust bean sellers were identified and 5% of the sellers were sampled given the total of 172 respondents: 80 at Imo Arigidi, 50 at Arigidi Oja, and 42 at Agbaluku which are the three major settlements in the town. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and subjected to descriptive statistical tools. The Socio-economic analysis shows that locust bean processing and trade are dominated by females (97.7%) with trace percentage of male (2.3%). This could be traced to preference of women in processing operations. The prevalent method of processing is manual or traditional. Majority of the respondents (48.8%) believed the processing method is strenuous and it takes a lot of time. However 32% of the people considered it simple and less stressful but 2.3% perceived the activities to be simple, stressful and time-consuming. Similarly, 59.9% of the respondents only submitted that the processing method could be learnt while 57.6% of the respondents specified the number of days in which the processing method could be learnt (1-7 days). The processing/utilization challenges include unavailability of the product in large proportions in the study area, lack of water supply, stressful nature of the processing, poor packaging, lack of storage facilities, etc. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that locust bean processing is a thriving occupation and therefore a sustainable livelihoods for the people of Arigidi Akoko. For promotion of the occupation or the locust bean trade in the area, modernized processing techniques, provision of boreholes by relevant government agencies to ensure potable water supply for processing activities and encouragement of plantation establishment should be considered.Key Words: African locust bean, utilization/processing, marketing, Ondo State, Tasboo

Natural multi-occurrence of mycotoxins in rice from Niger State, Nigeria

Twenty-one rice samples from field (ten), store (six) and market (five) from the traditional rice-growing areas of Niger State, Nigeria were analysed for aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2), and patulin (PAT) by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) respectively. T-2 toxin was determined using TLC only. AFs were detected in all samples, at total AF concentrations of 28–372 μg/kg. OTA was found in 66.7% of the samples, also at high concentrations (134–341 μg/kg) that have to be considered as critical levels in aspects of nephrotoxicity. ZEA (53.4%), DON (23.8), FB1 (14.3%) and FB2 (4.8%) were also found in rice, although at relatively low levels. T-2 toxin was qualitatively detected by TLC in only one sample. Co-contamination with AFs, OTA, and ZEA was very common, and up to five mycotoxins were detected in a single sample. The high AF and OTA levels as found in rice in this study are regarded as unsafe, and multi-occurrences of mycotoxins in the rice samples with possible additive or synergistic toxic effects in consumers raise concern with respect to public health

Urinary albumin:creatinine ratio in postburn patients in Ikeja- Lagos, Nigeria; a point-of-care survey

Background: Chemical mediators are released after burns. They are responsible for the pathophysiological responses of microcirculation and fluid shift in patients with burns. The mediators also have direct damaging effects on tissues including the kidneys. Acute kidney disease is common in patients with burns.Patients/methods: A cross-sectional Point-of-Care survey of the urine of post-burn patients was done at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria to check for the prevalence of renal morbidity among them and study the predisposing factors. All consenting postburn cases that were seen at the Out-patient Clinic between May 1st and October 31st 2011 were studied. Urine samples were collected into sterile containers and tested for albumin and creatinine with MicroalbuPHAN(R) (Erba Lacherma Bmo CZ) Diagnostic Strips. The ratio of the urinary concentrations of albumin:creatinine was calculated.Results: Fifty-six cases were seen, 55(98.2 %) had urinary albumin: creatinine ratio within the microalbuminuria range, one proteinuria and were independent of the extent of burn injury.Conclusion: Post-burn renal morbidity is common in the study environment. Renal status of patients should be assessed during the acute, subacute and postburn phases of management to detect persisting renal injury and institute appropriate management.Key words: - Burns, point-of-care-testing, kidney injury, urinary albumin: creatinine ratio, Nigeria

An audit of chronic kidney disease risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is on the increase in Nigeria with diabetic nephropathy (DN) as one of the commonest causes of end stage renal disease among Nigerians. We determined the risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalent in type 2 diabetics.Methods: Type 2 diabetics attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary health institution were recruited over a six week period and had their records reviewed.Results: A total of 144 type 2 diabetics were recruited. Fifty three (36.8%) were males while 91 (63.2%) were females. Mean age of all diabetics was 57.5± 11.5 years. The prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and poor glycaemic control were 38.8%, 70.8%, 67.4%, 64.6%, and 46.5% respectively. Central obesity, dyslipidaemia and metabolic syndrome were significantly more prevalent in female diabetics while hypertension and metabolic syndrome were more prevalent in elderly participants. Forty-four (30.6%) of the diabetics had CKD. Hypertension, dyslipidaemia and metabolic syndrome were more prevalent in diabetics with CKD, although only hypertension was significant.Conclusion: CKD risk factors were highly prevalent in type 2 diabetics in this study. Measures aimed at reducing these risks should be instituted to delay the onset and progression of CKD.Keywords: diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, risk factor