A comparative study of the plasma level of arginase and rhodanese in smokers and non-smokers

The purpose of this investigation was to determine and compare the activities of arginase and rhodanese in the blood plasma of cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The activity of arginase in the blood plasma of smokers was higher than arginase activity in the non-smokers (NS), however, in the smokers with diseases (SWD), the increase was significant (p<0.0007). The comparison between the activity of rhodanese in the SWD, smokers without diseases (SWOD) and NS blood plasma revealed a decrease in the activity of rhodanese in NS and no significant difference in the three groups with p<0.8677. This paper reported the enhancing effect of cigarette smoking could have on the disease state of smokers due to high arginase activity

Biochemical properties of thiaminase, a toxic enzyme in the gut of grasshoppers (Zonocerus variegatus Linn)

The variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus (Linn) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) is eaten mostly in the South western region of Nigeria. Thiaminase is a toxic enzyme present in some foods. The activity of thiaminase in the gut of Zonocerus variegatus is described. The enzyme was isolated using DEAE- Cellulose  ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration on Biogel P-100. The enzyme had a specific activity of 7.9 unit per milligram of protein. The enzyme exhibited a maximal activity at pH 8.0 and Km of 5 and 25 µM for thiamine and aniline respectively. The substrate specificity showed that the thiaminase from Z. variegatus was specific for thiamine and aniline as substrates. The optimum temperature of Z. variegatus thiaminase was 50oC. The native molecular weight of the enzyme as determined by gel filtration was 102,000. The amino acids markedly enhanced the activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was activated by Mn2+, Ni2+ and Hg2+ but inhibited by Na+, NH4+, Co2+ and Zn2+. 2-mercaptoethanol and 6-amino hexanoic acid completely inhibited the thiaminase. Z. variegatus should be prepared using extensive and prolong cooking to avoid suffering from thiamine deficiency

Achieving National Security in Nigeria through Education

This paper discusses how Nigeria as a nation can achieve national security through, not just education, but qualitative education. National security has been described in this paper, as freedom from or resilience against potential harm caused by others. For easy comprehension and assimilation, the paper was strategically broken down into six, (6) distinct sections, to wit; conceptualization of key words, causes of insecurity in Nigeria, effects of insecurity in Nigeria, role of education in checkmating insecurity, previous efforts by governments to address insecurity issues and; conclusion and recommendations. The paper was able to establish the fact that quality education can reduce incidences of insecurity, even if not totally eradicated. Education, this paper revealed is a major weapon of progressive social change. The paper concludes that sound education anchored on good educational policies and implementation can reduce, to a manageable extent, insecurity in Nigeria. Therefore some recommendations, such as declaring a state of emergency in the educational sector to reduce illiteracy, were proffered. This, the paper suggested, among others will provide a panacea for the problem of insecurity in Nigeria

Review on Atherogenic Index of Plasma Lipids and Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is defined as abnormally levels of lipids in the blood. Different types of lipids and lipoproteins have been identified. Dyslipidemia is a single strong risk factor for the development of cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis is the most common. It has been described as a disease of the economically advanced societies, but recently, it has found its way into the semi-urban societies and among its dwellers, who are at the increasing risk of developing cardiovascular accidents. Hence, early identification and diagnosis of dyslipidemia at its earliest stage among this populace is a worthwhile cardiovascular preventive measure. The study of hyperlipidaemia is of considerable importance, mainly because of the involvement of lipids in cardiovascular diseases. The classification system of hyperlipidaemia is based on which plasma lipoprotein concentrations were increased. Fredrickson classification helped to put lipidology on the clinical map, though it was not a diagnostic classification. It gives little clue as to the aetiology of the disorder. Currently, a more descriptive classification is used for the primary hyperlipidaemia although they can be genetic or secondary factors. This review presents the overview of plasma lipids. This article illustrates the theoretical background and details about dyslipidemias. Keywords: Dyslipidemia, Atherogenic index, Hyperlipidaemia, Atherosclerosis, Lipoprotein