Effect of different stabilizers on acceptability and shelfstability of soy-yoghurt

The effect of cassava starch and corn starch on the consumers` acceptability and shelf- stability of soyyoghurt was investigated. Three batches of soy-yoghurt were prepared using corn starch, cassavastarch and gelatin as stabilizers, while the fourth batch served as control. All the batches were organoleptically evaluated and stored at 6 ± 2oC for 16 days and were subjected to physical examinationand chemical analyses such as pH, titratable acidity (TTA) and microbial counts. All the stabilizers prevent whey separation. A putrid/offensive odour developed in all yoghurt samples from the 8th day of storage; while gas production was observed in all stabilized soy-yoghurt samples. For both pH and TTA, there was significant difference (

In vitro antisickling activities and phytochemical evaluation of Plumbago zeylanica and Uvaria chamae

The roots of Plumbago zeylanica (Plumbaginaceae) and Uvaria chamae (Annonaceae) have been used in folklore medicine in the management of sickle-cell disease (SCD) in South-West Nigeria. Using both crude methanol extract and its aqueous fraction, in vitro antisickling activities of these plant parts were evaluated using p-hydroxybenzoic acid and normal saline as positive and negative controls, respectively. Phytochemical screening of the investigated plant specimens revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponnins, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides free and combined anthraquinones. Extracts/fractions of P. zeylanica had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) antisickling activity at the tested concentrations of 10.0, 1.0 and 0.1 mg/ml. Therefore, the use of these plants by the traditional medical practitioners in the treatment of SCD in Ogun State, Nigeria is justified. The implication of these resultsis in defining the role of each plant specimen in traditional recipes for SCD management and drug development is presented.Keywords: Antisickling activity, phytochemicals, Plumbago zeylanica, sickle cell disease, Uvaria chama

European research priorities for intracerebral haemorrhage

Over 2 million people are affected by intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) worldwide every year, one third of them dying within 1 month, and many survivors being left with permanent disability. Unlike most other stroke types, the incidence, morbidity and mortality of ICH have not declined over time. No standardised diagnostic workup for the detection of the various underlying causes of ICH currently exists, and the evidence for medical or surgical therapeutic interventions remains limited. A dedicated European research programme for ICH is needed to identify ways to reduce the burden of ICH-related death and disability. The European Research Network on Intracerebral Haemorrhage EURONICH is a multidisciplinary academic research collaboration that has been established to define current research priorities and to conduct large clinical studies on all aspects of ICH. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Base