Effect of packaging materials on selected quality attributes of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) flour

Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) is an important crop which serves as a staple food for a large number of people in developing nations including Nigeria. Its perishability necessitates immediate processing after harvest to obtain products such as chips, flakes and flour with better storage stability. Proper selection of appropriate packaging materials for cocoyam flour is important to maintain the quality attributes during storage and to extend its shelf life. This study, therefore, examined the influence of packaging materials and storage period on the quality of cocoyam flour. Cocoyam flour was produced from fresh, wholesome cormels. The flour samples were stored in three packaging materials (polyethylene terephthalate [PET] bottles, polyethylene bags and woven polypropylene sacks) for six months under ambient conditions. The flour samples were then analyzed at four-week intervals for proximate composition, pH, colour and sensory analysis using standard methods. The results showed that packaging materials and length of storage significantly affected crude fibre and carbohydrate content of cocoyam flour. The moisture content of the flour packed in woven polypropylene decreased to a larger extent due to its higher water vapour permeability. The type of packaging did not significantly affect the crude fat content of the flour throughout the storage period. The PET bottle performed better in retaining the protein and ash content of the flour. Although significant differences were observed in the pH levels and colour of the cocoyam flour samples after storage in the different packaging materials, the type of packaging material did not affect these physicochemical properties. The sensory properties of the cocoyam flour in three packaging materials were found to be within acceptable limits at the end of storage. All the selected packaging materials performed well in retaining the quality attributes of the cocoyam flour throughout the period of storage

Serum ferritin levels in children with malaria anaemia in Ibadan

This study assessed the serum ferritin levels in plasma samples from children (4 – 74 months old) admitted for malaria at the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital (Beere) Ibadan, Oyo State, using a sandwich-ELISA. These values were compared with malaria parasitemia, MSP-1 antibody titre and packed cell volume values previously obtained through standard methods. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS, Excel and Epi-Calc software. Results showed that theserum ferritin level in the population ranged in from 363ng/ml to 1000ng/ml, with a mean value of 630ng/ml. There was a negative correlation between serum ferritin levels and the packed cellvolume, and malaria parasitemia in the children; while the serum ferritin levels increased with increasing malaria antibodies. There was no significant difference in the mean levels of ferritin in anaemic and non-anaemic children. Serum ferritin concentration decreased with increasing age in children with malaria. Gender was found to have no significant association with serum ferritin levels in children with malaria anaemia

Liver mitochondrial membrane permeability modulation in insulin-resistant, uninephrectomised male rats by Clerodendrum volubile P. Beauv and Manihot esculenta Crantz

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which occurs in people who are not alcohol drinkers, describes some of the pathogenic conditions that may be in the least characterized by simple steatosis or can be as serious as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Its mechanistic pathogenesis has been said to arise from insulin resistance and oxidative stress, which may be compounded by obesity. An experimental model showing, systemic insulin resistance, obesity and accumulated hepatic fatty acids was created in adult male rats using high-fat diet manipulation and surgical removal of the left kidney (uninephrectomy). This study sought to identify the impact of these multiple burdens on the liver mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening, and the possible in vitro effects of the extracts of Clerodendrum volubile and Manihot esculenta leaves on the membrane permeabilization. Results: The results indicated that the methanolic extract of Clerodendrum volubile leaf inhibited mitochondrial membrane pore opening in the insulin resistance condition or when it is followed by uni-nephrectomy, while the ethanolic extract of Manihot esculenta leaf does the same in the insulin resistance condition both prior to and following uni-nephrectomy. Conclusion: Since the vegetable extracts were able to abrogate mitochondrial pore opening at low concentrations, the structural integrity of the mitochondria can possibly be restored over time if treated by the vegetable extracts. Research efforts should, therefore, be made to harness the drugability of the bioactives of these vegetables for use in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease arising from insulin resistance and renal failure.Fil: Ajayi, Ebenezer Idowu O. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; Argentina. Osun State University; Nigeria. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research; IndiaFil: Molehin, Olorunfemi R.. Ekiti State University; NigeriaFil: Oloyede, Omotade I.. Ekiti State University; NigeriaFil: Kumar, Vinodu. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research; IndiaFil: Amara, Venkateswara R.. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research; IndiaFil: Kaur, Jasmine. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research; IndiaFil: Karpe, Pinakin. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research; IndiaFil: Tikoo, Kulbhushan B.. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research; Indi

Serum Ferritin Levels In Children With Malaria Anaemia In Ibadan

This study assessed the serum ferritin levels in plasma samples from children (4 - 74 months old) admitted for malaria at the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital (Beere) Ibadan, Oyo State, using a sandwich-ELISA. These values were compared with malaria parasitemia, MSP-1 antibody titre and packed cell volume values previously obtained through standard methods. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS, Excel and Epi-Calc software. Results showed that the serum ferritin level in the population ranged in from 363ng/ml to 1000ng/ml, with a mean value of 630ng/ml. There was a negative correlation between serum ferritin levels and the packed cell volume, and malaria parasitemia in the children; while the serum ferritin levels increased with increasing malaria antibodies. There was no significant difference in the mean levels of ferritin in anaemic and non-anaemic children. Serum ferritin concentration decreased with increasing age in children with malaria. Gender was found to have no significant association with serum ferritin levels in children with malaria anaemia

Fifteen Years of Sm-p80-Based Vaccine Trials in Nonhuman Primates: Antibodies From Vaccinated Baboons Confer Protection in vivo and in vitro From Schistosoma mansoni and Identification of Putative Correlative Markers of Protection.

Recent advances in systems biology have shifted vaccine development from a largely trial-and-error approach to an approach that promote rational design through the search for immune signatures and predictive correlates of protection. These advances will doubtlessly accelerate the development of a vaccine for schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that currently affects over 250 million people. For over 15 years and with contributions of over 120 people, we have endeavored to test and optimize Sm-p80-based vaccines in the non-human primate model of schistosomiasis. Using RNA-sequencing on eight different Sm-p80-based vaccine strategies, we sought to elucidate immune signatures correlated with experimental protective efficacy. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the role of antibodies through in vivo passive transfer of IgG obtained from immunized baboons and in vitro killing of schistosomula using Sm-p80-specific antibodies. We report that passive transfer of IgG from Sm-p80-immunized baboons led to significant worm burden reduction, egg reduction in liver, and reduced egg hatching percentages from tissues in mice compared to controls. In addition, we observed that sera from Sm-p80-immunized baboons were able to kill a significant percent of schistosomula and that this effect was complement-dependent. While we did not find a universal signature of immunity, the large datasets generated by this study will serve as a substantial resource for further efforts to develop vaccine or therapeutics for schistosomiasis

Alleviation of doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity by Clerodendrum volubile leaf extract in Wistar rats: A preliminary study

Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX), a well-known chemotherapeutic drug, has been reported to induce numerous toxic side effects including renal toxicity. This preliminary study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effects of methanolic leaf extract of Clerodendrum volubile (MECV) against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Thirty male rats were divided into five groups; (a) Control group: rats were given 0.9% NaCl as vehicle, (b) DOX group: a single dose of DOX (25 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered and the rats were sacrificed 4 days after DOX injection, (c-e) Methanolic extract of C. volubile (MECV)-treated DOX groups: rats were given MECV (at the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/d), respectively for 12 consecutive days, 8 days before and 4 days after the DOX administration. Results: DOX injection caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum creatinine and urea levels. The levels of renal antioxidant parameters: glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in DOX-intoxicated rats with concomitant elevation of malondialdehyde level. Pretreatment with MECV restored antioxidant status, attenuated oxidative stress and improved kidney function markers. Pre-treatment with MECV protected renal tissues against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: The ameliorative effects of C. volubile leaves on these renal biochemical parameters may be via its antioxidant action and may serve as a novel combination agent with DOX to limit its renal damage

Optimization of the T-cell proliferation assay in fascioliasis using a non-radioactive method, the Alamar Blue Assay

T-cell proliferation studies are traditionally carried out with radioactive reagents or fluorescent reagents that require measurement with advanced technology instrumentation. We attempted to calibrate the optimal conditions suitable for the use of a non-radioactive assay for the measurement of a T-cell proliferation assay in bovine fascioliasis, but applicable to the study ofother infectious diseases in our developing country setting. Crude antigen extract was prepared from 15 adult Fasciola gigantica flukes. Cellular responses were detected by the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to stimulation by serial dilutions of the crude antigen extract. The results showed that the antigen dilution 1:1,600 gave the highest PBMC proliferative response (Stimulation Index, S.I = 1.10± 0.2). Percentage reduced Alamar Blue was 27.3- 71.6%. This suggests that the cell-mediated immune response in bovine immunity to Fasciola infection may be reliablymeasured in our setting with the Alamar Blue Assay

Prenatal exposures to multiple thyroid hormone disruptors: effects on glucose and lipid metabolism

Background. Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential for normal human fetal development and play a major role in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Delivery of TH to target tissues is dependent on processes including TH synthesis, transport, and metabolism. Thyroid hormone endocrine disruptors (TH-EDCs) are chemical substances that interfere with these processes, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Objectives. This review focuses on the effects of prenatal exposures to combinations of TH-EDCs on fetal and neonatal glucose and lipid metabolism and also discusses the various mechanisms by which TH-EDCs interfere with other hormonal pathways. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive narrative review on the effects of TH-EDCs with particular emphasis on exposure during pregnancy. Discussion. TH imbalance has been linked to many metabolic processes and the effects of TH imbalance are particularly pronounced in early fetal development due to fetal dependence on maternal TH for proper growth and development. The pervasive presence of EDCs in the environment results in ubiquitous exposure to either single or mixtures of EDCs with deleterious effects on metabolism. Conclusions. Further evaluation of combined effects of TH-EDCs on fetal metabolic endpoints could improve advice provided to expectant mothers