Physical and Functional Properties of Breakfast Cereals from Blends of Maize, African Yam Bean, Defatted Coconut Cake and Sorghum Extract

The physical and functional attributes of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals produced from blends of maize (Zea mays), African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) (AYB), defatted coconut (Cocos nucifera) cake and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) malt extract, were evaluated.  Six samples were formulated by mixing the AYB+ maize composite flour with graded levels of defatted coconut (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50), sugar, salt and water. The samples were mixed and toasted at 280°C for 5mins each in a non-stick metallic pan, cooled and packaged. The results revealed the following ranges of physical and  functional properties; pH (4.70- 6.56), bulk density (0.29 - 0.71g/ml), water absorption capacity (68.31- 76.39%), oil absorption capacity (0.87- 1.32%), foam capacity (2.48- 3.49%), viscosity (19.73-31.08%), gelation temperature (121-157°C), emulsification capacity (5.79-9.86 g/100g), wettability (15.67-23.22 sec.) and invitro-protein digestibility (66.30- 82.2%). It is evident that there are significant variations of physical and functional attributes with addition of defatted coconut fibre in the formulations. Keywords: Bulk density, water absorption capacity, foam capacity, viscosity, invitro-protein digestibility, gelation capacit

Anti-lipid peroxidative activity of Gongronema latifoluim in streptozotocin-induced diadetic rat

Summary: This study was designed to investigate the anti-lipid peroxidative effects of aqueous extracts from Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) leaves in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We evaluated plasma lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde, MDA) and antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in all the animals. Result demonstrated that the untreated diabetic rats were subjected to oxidative stress as indicated by significantly (

Phenotypic identification of soil bacterial and fungal communities inhabiting an archaeological monument at Augustine University, Ilara Epe, southwest Nigeria

Background: The Sungbo Eredo Monument is an ancient public work with a system of defensive walls and ditches located in Eredo Local Council Development Area of Epe, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria. A huge section of the monument cuts through the Augustine University campus, forming two-sided vertical walls with a deep ridge in-between. The objective of this investigative study is to determine the microbial profile of soil samples from the monument in the University campus. Methodology: Soil samples were collected from the topsoil at a depth of 7.5cm from four randomly selected points along the edge of the monument. The samples were transported to the microbiology laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences of Augustine University for analysis. Samples were cultured on Nutrient agar (NA) and incubated aerobically for 24-48 hours for bacteria isolation and on Sabouraud’s Dextrose agar (SDA) for 72 hours for fungi isolation. Bacterial colonies on NA were preliminarily identified to genus level by Gram reaction and conventional biochemical test scheme for Gram-positive (catalase, coagulase, starch hydrolysis) and Gram-negative isolates (oxidase, urease test, indole, methyl red, Voges Proskauer and sugar fermentation tests). Fungi colonies on SDA were identified using conventional macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility test of the bacterial isolates to selected antibiotics was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: A total of twenty-three bacterial isolates in four genera; Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cellobiococcus and Micrococcus and nine fungal isolates in three genera; Saccharomyces, Aspergillus and Botrytis were identified from the cultures. The bacterial isolates were sensitive (>50% sensitivity) to only gentamicin and ofloxacin, with 65.2% and 78.3% sensitivity rates respectively, while they were largely resistant to all other antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, erythromycin, cefuroxime, cloxacillin, ceftazidime and augmentin, with resistance rates of 65.2%, 65.2%, 73.9%, 82.6%, 86.9%, 91.3% respectively. Conclusion: The results of this investigative study revealed the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (mainly Gram-positive) and fungi on the archaeological monument of Augustine University, adding to the existing data on microbial spectrum of archaeological monuments that could be useful for unraveling human cultural habits and microbe-related human diseases. However, further studies on molecular identification of these microbial spectrum will be required to ascertain their genetic relatedness and ancestral phylogeny, which will be useful for archaeologists in their study of the Sungbo-Eredo ancestral monument.   French title: Identification phénotypique des communautés bactériennes et fongiques du sol habitant un monument archéologique à l'Université Augustine, Ilara Epe, sud-ouest du Nigeria Contexte: Le monument Sungbo Eredo est un ancien ouvrage public doté d'un système de murs défensifs et de fossés situé dans la zone de développement du conseil local d'Eredo à Epe, dans l'État de Lagos, au sud-ouest du Nigéria. Une énorme section du monument traverse le campus de l'Université Augustine, formant des murs verticaux à deux côtés avec une crête profonde entre les deux. L'objectif de cette étude d'investigation est de déterminer le profil microbien d'échantillons de sol provenant du monument du campus universitaire. Méthodologie: Des échantillons de sol ont été prélevés dans la couche arable à une profondeur de 7,5 cm à partir de quatre points choisis au hasard le long du bord du monument. Les échantillons ont été transportés au laboratoire de microbiologie du Département des sciences biologiques de l'Université Augustine pour analyse. Les échantillons ont été cultivés sur gélose nutritive (NA) et incubés en aérobie pendant 24 à 48 heures pour l'isolement des bactéries et sur gélose au dextrose de Sabouraud's(SDA) pendant 72 heures pour l'isolement des champignons. Les colonies bactériennes sur NA ont été préalablement identifiées au niveau du genre par réaction de Gram et schéma de test biochimique conventionnel pour les isolats Gram-positif (catalase, coagulase, hydrolyse de l'amidon) et Gram-négatif (oxydase, test à l'uréase, indole, rouge de méthyle, Voges Proskauer et sucre essais de fermentation). Les colonies de champignons sur SDA ont été identifiées en utilisant des caractéristiques macroscopiques et microscopiques conventionnelles. Le test de sensibilité aux antibiotiques des isolats bactériens à des antibiotiques sélectionnés a été effectué en utilisant la méthode de diffusion sur disque de Kirby Bauer. Résultats: Un total de vingt-trois isolats bactériens dans quatre genres; Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cellobiococcus et Micrococcus et neuf isolats fongiques de trois genres; Saccharomyces, Aspergillus et Botrytis ont été identifiés à partir des cultures. Les isolats bactériens étaient sensibles (sensibilité >50%) uniquement à la gentamicine et à l'ofloxacine, avec des taux de sensibilité de 65,2 % et 78,3 % respectivement, alors qu'ils étaient largement résistants à tous les autres antibiotiques comme la ceftriaxone, l'érythromycine, la céfuroxime, la cloxacilline, la ceftazidime et l'augmentine avec des taux de résistance de 65,2%, 65,2%, 73,9%, 82,6%, 86,9%, 91,3% respectivement. Conclusion: Les résultats de cette étude d'investigation ont révélé la présence de bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques (principalement à Gram positif) et de champignons sur le monument archéologique de l'Université Augustine, ajoutant aux données existantes sur le spectre microbien des monuments archéologiques qui pourraient être utiles pour démêler l'homme. les habitudes culturelles et les maladies humaines liées aux microbes. Cependant, d'autres études sur l'identification moléculaire de ces spectres microbiens seront nécessaires pour déterminer leur parenté génétique et leur phylogénie ancestrale, ce qui sera utile aux archéologues dans leur étude du monument ancestral Sungbo-Eredo

The effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on cd4 t-lymphocyte depletion among people living with HIV and AIDS in Enugu, Nigeria.

This study evaluated the effect of HIV infection on CD4 T-lymphocyte depletion in people living with HIV/AIDS. Ninety (90) subjects recruited into this study were grouped into three -Diagnostic HIV positive (A), HIV positive subjects (B) on antiretroviral drugs (HAART) and HIV negative subjects (C) used as control group. Quantitative estimation of HIV load was carried out with Real-Time PCR, while CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte estimation was carried out using C6 Acurri flow cytometer system. Statistical analysis was done with Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis statistic and Dunn’s Multiple Comparison Test at p < 0.05 as significant. There was significant reduction in mean CD4 T-lymphocyte counts in groups A (246.60186.10) and B (255.40168.70), while significant reduction in CD8 T-lymphocyte count occurred only in group A(449.20273.50). CD4/CD8 ratio reduced significantly in both A (0.770.66) and B (0.650.47), while the mean viral load of group B (145591.00259499.00) was significantly reduced when compared with that (24407.00106479.00) of group A. Though there was down regulation of viral burden during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there was no corresponding increase in T-cell proliferation. This indicates that there might be a qualitative defect imparted on the progenitor cells of CD4 T-lymphocytes during progressive HIV disease. Key Words: CD4 T-lymphocyte, antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infection, depletion and proliferation

Effect of fermentation on the chemical composition of wheat (triticum aestivum) and maize (zea mays) flours and sensory evaluation of biscuits made from their flours

Background: Fermentation improves the nutritional value, acceptability and safety of foods. Objective: This study assessed the effect of fermentation on the chemical composition of wheat and maize flours and consumer acceptability of biscuits made from their flours. Methods: Fermentation of wheat and maize: Wheat and maize grains were sorted respectively and were divided into five parts of 200g each. They were labelled as W ,W ,W ,W and W for wheat and M ,M M ,M and M for 0 1 2 3 4 0 1, 2 3 4 maize samples. Each sample was washed with tap water three times. W and M were not fermented while W ,W ,W 0 0 1 2 3 and W and M M ,M and M were soaked in 500mls of water in a bowl and were fermented for 24 hours, 48 hours, 4 1, 2 3 4 72 hours and 96 hours respectively. The flour of each sample was used for baking biscuits. Proximate, mineral and vitamin content of the flour samples and the sensory properties of the biscuits produced from their flour were evaluated using standard analytical methods. One way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test were used to separate the means among the samples. Result: The highest ash (2.14%), crude fibre (2.03%) and fat (4.24%) values were observed in sample M . Sample 0 M , W and W had the highest moisture (9.67%), protein (11.62%) and carbohydrate (77.89%) values respectively. 4 4 0 Sample M had the highest magnesium (35.62mg), potassium (162.59mg) and sodium (13.79mg) values, M had 0 1 the highest iron (0.76mg) content while the highest calcium (18.77mg) zinc (0.75mg) and phosphorus (132.59mg) values were observed in sample W . The highest vitamin B (0.59mg), vitamin B (0.24mg), vitamin A (18.76μg) 0 1 3 and folic acid (41.64mg) were observed in sample M while the highest vitamin B (0.04mg) value was found in 0 2 both sample M and sample M Sample W had the highest vitamin C (6.36mg) and vitamin B (1.87mg) content. 0 1. 0 6 There was no significant(p>0.05) difference in the acceptability of the biscuit samples. However, the taste, aroma,texture and general acceptability of the biscuits produced from all the samples had appreciable ratings. Conclusion: Fermentation improved the nutritional quality of cereals while biscuits produced from fermented cereals were generally acceptable

Intestinal Parasitoses and CD4 Levels among HIV/AIDS Patients Attending a Health Facility in Akpabuyo, Nigeria

Many HIV/AIDS patients still present with low CD4 count and other complications even when placed on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Prevalence of intestinal parasitoses and their influence on CD4 levels of HIV/AIDS patients attending a Hospital in Nigeria was studied to determine their role in low CD4 levels during treatment. Two hundred and fifty HIV sero-positive and 100 sero-negative subjects were recruited for the study. HIV screening was done using Determine and confirmed with Unigold with Start Park as tie breaker. Questionnaires were used to obtain subject’s bio-data, Partec Cyflow counter (GEM Laboratories, Germany) was used for estimation and differentiation of CD4 cells while parasites were detected using direct stool microscopy, formal ether and modified Ziehl Neelson techniques. Prevalence of parasites was 25 (7.1%) with test subjects being more infected (7.6%) than  controls (6.0%) (P < 0.001). The parasites detected were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.2%), Gairdia intestinalis (1.2%), Cryptosporidium parvum (0.6%), and Hookworm (0.4%). Parasite positive subjects had significantly lower mean CD4 count (373.3±275.6 c/μl) than their parasite negative counterpart (626.7±337.6 c/μl), P = 0.028, and likewise in the control group.  HIV/parasite infected subjects on ART had significantly lower mean CD4 count (391.8±270 c/μl) than HIV/parasite negative subjects on ART (659.8±331.1), P = 0.01. Intestinal parasitoses may aggravate CD4 reduction in HIV/AIDS patients even when on  HAART, hence undermine the potency of ART and hinder their successful management. Screening tests before baseline treatment for HIV/AIDS patients should include parasitological diagnosis

Flat foot and associated factors among primary school children: a cross-sectional study

Prevalence of flat foot and its associated personal characteristics among public primary school students was investigated. This cross-sectional study involved 474 public primary school students (253 females and 221 males) between the ages of 6 and 10 years. Flat foot diagnosis was made using Staheli plantar index (PI), where values >1.15 were indicative of flat foot. The number of children diagnosed with flat foot was 106, yielding a prevalence rate of 22.4%. Flexible flat foot accounted for 93 (87.7%) of the positive diagnoses, whereas bilateral flat foot was present in 97 (91.5%) of the cases. There was a significant relationship between higher prevalence of pes planus and older age, with the 6-year-old group showing the highest prevalence. Boys were twice as likely to be diagnosed with flat foot as girls, and obese participants were three and a half times more likely to have flat foot compared with those of normal weight. In summary, about one in every five public primary school children aged 6–10 years would be diagnosed with flat foot anomaly, and obesity further increased the risk. Preregistration flat foot screening, and periodic observation for onset of symptoms of progression, should be made available for primary school children