Studies on the Microbiology of Fish and Shellfish with Emphasis on Bacteriocin-like Substances to control Listeria monocytogenes

Seafood permits the transmission of many bacterial pathogens. In order to reconcile consumer demands with important safety standards, traditional means of regulating microbial spoilage and safety hazards in foods are combined with novel technologies. These include biological antimicrobial systems, such as the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and/or their bacteriocins, such as Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CS526 and its bacteriocin piscicocin CS526. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in temperate seafood, namely fresh and smoked salmon, fresh and smoked haddock, and fresh mussels and oysters. Additionally, there was an aim to recover, characterise and use bacteriocin-like-substance to control Listeria monocytogenes in cold smoked haddock. Vibrio spp., Enterobacteriaceae representatives, total aerobic heterotrophic counts and Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from commercially prepared smoked and fresh Atlantic salmon, smoked and fresh haddock, live mussels and oysters using selective media and tryptone soya agar (TSA). Vibrio spp. occurred in high densities (>106 CFU gˉ1) in mussels and Enterobacteriaceae representatives were recorded at >106 CFU gˉ1 in fresh salmon. Total aerobic heterotrophic counts in fresh salmon, live mussels and oysters reached 107, > 107, and > 106 CFU gˉ1, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes was recorded at 5.0 x 104 CFU gˉ1 in mussels. In total sixty one bacterial isolates were recovered from the seafood examined. The results revealed 19 genera of bacteria, i.e. Acinetobacter, Aerococcus, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Brochothrix, Carnobacterium, Citrobacter, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Moraxella, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Serratia, Shewanella, Staphylococcus, Vibrio and Listeria. The prominent characteristics of fish spoilage isolates were demonstrated by the ability of the isolates to reduce trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) to trimethylamine, and to produce H₂S. Sh. baltica OS185, Aeromonas spp. HB-6, Sh. baltica, Sh. putrefaciens, A. hydrophila HX201006-3, A. salmonicida subsp. achromogenes, A. hydrophila, C. freundii, Enterobacter cloacae were strong producers of TMA and H₂S. The spoilage microorganisms were tested for potential pathogenicity. The result revealed that 6/15 of the spoilage microorganisms produced proteolytic, lecithinase, blood (β and α haemolysin) and elastinase activity, respectively, whereas 7/15 of the spoilage microorganisms showed lipolytic activity. Cell free supernatants, ammonium sulphate precipitated supernatants and semi-purified bacteriocin-like substances of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum MMF-32 and KOPRI 25789 producing strains isolated from commercially prepared smoked salmon were investigated for their potential antimicrobial activity against potentially pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms. Generally, a broad spectrum of activity was revealed against potentially pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms in vitro. Cold-smoked haddock treated with bacteriocin producing C. maltaromaticum MMF-32, C. piscicola A9b bacˉ phenotype nonbacteriocin producing strain a mutant of C. piscicola A9b bac+, cell free supernatants, ammonium sulphate precipitated supernatants and semi-purified bacteriocin-like substances was challenged with L. monocytogenes ATCC 19114 up to 103 CFU gˉ1, respectively. Samples were stored at 4 °C for 10 days. L. monocytogenes and total bacterial counts were determined along with changes in total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) and biogenic amines production as well as texture, colour and odour. Although the study on anti-listerial effects of C. maltaromaticum MMF-32 was not successful, this organism did have a positive effect on retention of firmness and sensory perception in cold smoked haddock

Limits of Copyright Protection in Contemporary Nigeria: Re-Examining the Relevance of the Nigerian Copyright Act in Today’s Digital and Computer Age

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the world has witnessed astronomical advancement in scientific and technological innovations which have changed the face of modern society, leading many thinkers to term this present civilization ‘the jet age’. This technological advancement has had enormous impact on the world’s legal systems, disrupting traditional modes of protection of intellectual property, and has left the law completely in a state of flux, due to the ever changing forms of innovations; such as computers including palmtops and hitech phones, satellite and cable receivers/signals, facsimile transmissions and the perpetually growing internet. In Nigeria, the Copyright Act purports to protect intellectual property including digital innovations. Notwithstanding, the country remains the largest piracy destination and market in the world. This article examines the Nigerian Copyright Act with the view of identifying the inadequacies which account for the inability of the Act to accord adequate protection to digital inventions in the country. Attention is particularly paid to the problem of the skeletal nature of the Act with respect to the rights of innovators of digital technology and other shrewd and manifests ambiguities and contradictions contained in it. This article also reveals the technological shortcomings which have made it possible for infringers of digital inventions to assail the technology with impunity, and therefore make it impossible for our Copyright Act to live up to its mandate. Thus, in the fight against piracy and copyright infringements of digital innovations, this article strongly recommends extralegal measures, such as administrative, social, judicial and technological, to tame the tide of an otherwise purely socio-legal problem. If we never do anything which has not been done before, we shall never get anywhere, the law will stand still whilst the rest of the world goes on and that will be bad for both

Parental socio-economic-status as predictor of vocational aspirations of secondary school students in Nigeria: Implications for peace, curriculum planners and special educators

The quantitative study adopted ex-post–facto research design. Two research questions and one hypothesis were used for the study. Sample was 400 students from 20 schools in Nigeria, including students with special needs. Instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Research questions were analyzed with mean and standard deviation, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis. Findings of the study showed that parental socio-economic status is not a strong indicator of vocational aspirations of secondary school students. It was recommended that as educational level of individuals influences their reasoning and how they affect those under them, life - long learning campaigns should be intensified to get students including those with special needs enlightened especially in choice of vocations

The Determination and Comparative Study of Basic Hormonal Assessment in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Treatment in Southern Part of Nigeria

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous disorder frequently diagnosed in women attending fertility clinics in Nigeria. it is characterized by anovulation, hyper androgenism and polycystic ovary, several factors have been associated with the pathophysiology of this disorder.A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected fertility clinics in South-South part of Nigeria. The purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. A total of 206 women were recruited in this study, 101 (49.1%) women fulfilled the Rotterdam criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS, while 105 women (50.9%) without PCOS were included as control. Biochemical hyper-androgenism as described by the Rotterdam criteria was observed in 69(68%) of women with PCOS, Elevated Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) 87(86%) and elevated Luteinizing hormone (LH) 76(75%) were observed in women with PCOS.The aim of the study was to Determine and Compare levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Anti-mullerian Hormone (AMH) Testosterone in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS undergoing Assisted Reproduction Treatment

Severity of malcircumcisions and circumcision-related complications in three tertiary health facilities in Southern Nigeria

Background: Complications following circumcision are well recognized. In our environment, it is relatively common and frequently encountered in pediatric surgical practice. While some may be easily corrected others may be more tasking and even life threatening. There is need to identify the serious complications, and to proffer ways of preventing them or managing them when they occur. We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of malcircumcision and circumcision related complications in our region and to identify the major challenging ones.Patients and methods: Data was prospectively obtained from all male children presenting with malcircumcisions or circumcision related complications in three tertiary health facilities in southern Nigeria between June 2006 and May 2013. Data included complication presented, age, circumcisionist, method of circumcision, treatment offered, outcome.Results: A total of 126 male children with 143 malcircumcisions or complicated circumcisions were seen within the period. The spectrum ranged from minor glandular adhesions to penile amputation and lifethreatening excessive bleeding. Procedures Included: manual removal of plastibell, suture ligation of bleeding vessel, adhesiolysis, preputial trimming, meatoplasty, urethroplasty, fistuloplasty, glanuloplasty and penile repair. Most tasking were urethral loss, fistula closure and glanular amputation. There were no deaths.Conclusion: Circumcision related complications are common in our region. Penile amputation, urethral loss, and fistulae are the most challenging complications. There is need to educate the health workers and general public on the hazard of untrained circumcisionists.Keywords: circumcision, complications, severity, managemen

An evaluation of the evidence of burnout among ultrasound practitioners in Rivers State

BackgroundOccupational burnout has become a critical issue among ultrasound practitioners. Inappropriate management of occupational burnout can lead to serious health problems.AimTo evaluate the evidence of burnout among ultrasound practitioners in Rivers State.Materials and methodsA survey of ultrasound practitioners in selected diagnostic imaging facilities in Port Harcourt and its environs was conducted between November, 2018 and March, 2019 to evaluate the evidence of burnout. A descriptive survey design was employed and selection of the facilities was done using systematic sampling technique. 21 diagnostic imaging facilities were used. Ethical clearance was obtained from Management of the facilities. Data were obtained from structured questionnaires administered to 50 ultrasound practitioners in these facilities, who accepted to participate in the study. The questionnaire surveyed basic demographic data, time taken to get to work, experiences, practices, number of night shifts and other factors that predispose burnout. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.ResultsThe factors contributing to burnout among ultrasound practitioners are understaffing leading to work overload and excessive overtime work (41%), hostile interactions with patients' relatives (34%), interactions with colleagues (20%), and conflict with Boss/supervisor (5%). Burnout manifests differently among the practitioners as feelings of: being worn-out and weary (46%), being sick (31%), being emotionally drained (23%).ConclusionUltrasound practitioners in Rivers State suffer high level of burnout. Issues of understaffing and interpersonal communication skills should be addressed in order to minimize the incidence of burnout

Does Firms’ Growth Indicators Predict Market Capitalization of Firms in Nigeria Breweries Industry?

The study appraised if growth indicators affect market capitalization of firms in Nigeria in the brewery industry in Nigeria. The research adopted ex- post facto research design covering the period of ten years, 2007-2016. Secondary data was extracted from annual report and accounts of selected brewery firms quoted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression technique. Findings indicate that earnings per share and dividend per share have a positive and significant effect on market firms in Nigeria. The implication of the finding is that earnings per share and dividend per share can used in predicting the movement of market capitalization of brewery industry in Nigeria. The study hereby recommends that firms should enhance both their Earnings per Share and Dividend  per Share to grow their market capitalization  of  brewery firms in Nigeria. Keywords: Growth indicators, market capitalization, Earnings per Share, Dividend per Share

The Anatomy of Privatization Programme in Nigeria: Matters Arising

The paper traced the origin and reasons for privatization programmes in Nigeria to the alleged inefficiency and low productivity services in the system. The paper went on to state that 28 years had passed since the programme was inaugurated, yet Nigerians are still to fully realize the benefits of privatization programmes done in the country. Corruption and inefficiency are still the order of the day. The paper was of the opinion that it is the same corrupt leaders who mismanaged those public enterprises that are clamouring for their sales, and are the same people who purchased them at very low prices. The paper concluded that the programme only afforded some corrupt leaders and their foreign collaborators the opportunities to acquire those properties at the detriment of the average Nigerian, meanwhile, the purposes and objectives of the programmes are still hanging on the air. In recommendation, the paper drew attention of the Government to the number of people who have lost their jobs as a result of this privatization. Finally, the programme can be good or bad depending on the type of people who operate it. There are certain establishments that should not be privatized, since they constitute the base of the nation’s respect and integrity. Key Words: Privatization, economic depression, corruption, inefficiency andunderdevelopmen

The Use of Ict as an Integral Teaching and Learning Tool for Children with Autism: A Challenge for Nigeria Education System

The study focused on integrating information and communication technology (ICT) as an integral delivery tool for children with autism for a productive life in the society.  A survey design was adopted with two research questions. One hundred and eight (108) primary school teachers were selected for the study through a purposive random sampling technique. A 34-item questionnaire was used for data collection which was face validated by three experts and its reliability coefficient was 0.82 using Cronbach alpha method. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The results showed that teachers were clearly aware of most of the assistive technology tools as delivery tools that could be used for teaching children with autism. Again the teachers adopt instructional strategies for using assistive technology averagely to a great extent  It was recommended that assistive technology tools should be made available to the teachers in schools by the government and stakeholders, to help children with autism to maximize their potentials. Keywords: ICT, Autism and Educational challenge