Antinutritional Factors of Five Selected Underutilized Legumes

Antinutritional factors (ANFs) are a major factor reducing the wider use of underutilized legumes as human food and animal feeds, as a result of the deleterious effects produced by ANFs in man and animals. This study evaluated the levels of some common ANFs in selected in five selected underutilized legumes (ULs) from the Genetic Resources Unit of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The selected ULs were Winged bean (WB) (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) (Tpt-48), Lima bean (LB) (Phaseolus lunatus) (2006-009), Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranea) (TVSU- 1482), Jack bean (JB) (Canavalia ensiformis) (Tce-4) and Sword bean (SB) (Canavalia gladiata) (Tcg-4). All the ANFs were analyzed using standard methods. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. The results showed that trypsin inhibitors ranged from 13.76+0.02 mg/g (LB) to 39.71+0.04 mg/g (SB), hydrogen cyanides ranged from 9.30+0.02 mg/kg (LB) to 41.41+0.04 mg/kg (SB), oxalates ranged from 0.11+0.00% (BG) to 0.38+0.001% (SB), phytates ranged from 0.24+0.00% (BG) to 0.69+0.002% (SB), saponins ranged from 0.22+0.00% (WB) to 0.35+0.00% (BG), tannins ranged from 0.04+0.00% (WB) to 0.08+0.003% (SB), alkaloids ranged from 0.14+0.00% (WB) to 0.15+0.00% (LB) and haemagglutinins ranged from 25.27+0.01% (LB) to 66.92+0.04% (BG). The study concluded that all the selected underutilized legumes in this study contained antinutritional factors at varying levels and there is a need to investigate the suitable processing methods to either reduce or eliminate the inherent ANFs in these ULs. Keywords: Antinutritional factors, underutilized, legumes, human food, animal feed

Antioxidant Profile of Graded Levels of Unprocessed Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Seeds Assayed from Liver and Kidneys of Male Wistar Strain Rats

The present study investigated the hepatic and renal antioxidant profiles in male Wistar rats fed with graded levels of unprocessed pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seeds for 21 days. The study consisted of six groups of 5 rats each. Group A was fed 10% pigeon pea inclusion diet (PPID), group B: 20% (PPID), Group C: 30% (PPID), Group D: 40% (PPID), Group E: 100% pigeon pea diet (PPD), while Group F rats were fed with commercial rat feed and served as the control. Endogenous activities of antioxidant enzymes namely catalase and superoxide dismutase as well oxidative stress markers including hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were analyzed in the liver and kidney of the rats. Results showed that reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was decreased in the kidneys whereas it increased significantly above the control in the liver tissues of rats in all the fed groups. Feeding of unprocessed Cajanus cajan caused a significant increase in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level in the liver of 30% PPID and in 40% PPID group and in the kidney at 100% PPD group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the liver and kidney tissues of the rats with the highest value in the 40% PPID for the liver of the rats. Renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly decreased in 10% PPID and in 30% PPID rats whereas hepatic SOD activity increased in the 40% PPID and in 100% PPD group. Hepatic catalase activity increased significantly in all treatment groups whereas the increase in renal catalase activity was noted only in 40% PPID and in 100% PPD group.  In conclusion, consumption of unprocessed pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seeds disrupted antioxidant system and induced oxidative stress in the liver and kidney of rats. Keywords: Pigeon pea, antioxidant, liver, kidney, rats

Evaluation of the Haematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Mice Fed with Three Varieties of Unprocessed Lima Beans (Phaeolus lunatus)

Lima Bean (LB) (Phaseolus lunatus) is an underutilized legume. This study evaluated effects of feeding three varieties of unprocessed LB diets (LB011, LB001 and LB015) from IITA, Ibadan on the haematology and serum chemistry of mice. 40 mice weighing 17g-32g, divided into four groups (A-D), of 10 mice per group were used. Group A (control) received commercial mice feed while  groups B, C and D received 50% LB diet inclusions of LB011, LB001 and LB015 respectively. All analyses were done using standard protocols and statistical analysis was done using students’ t-test. Group D mice recorded the highest packed cell volume (40.00±1.00%), Haemoglobin (13.43±0.12 g/dl) and red blood cells counts (6.52±0.06 106/ul). Group C mice gave the highest white blood cells counts (5688±370.50 109/ul). For serum chemistry, Group D mice recorded the highest ALP (224.7±23.71 U/L), Group C mice gave the highest ALT (137±8.87 U/L) while Group A mice had highest AST (256.8±33.34 U/L). The study concluded that consumption of the different varieties of unprocessed lima beans did not produce significant adverse effects on the haematology and serum biochemistry of the mice. Keywords: Lima beans, mice, biochemical, IITA

The Impact Of Support Areas On The Academic Success Of International Students In Community Colleges

This study examined the various types of support areas for international students in community colleges that help them achieve academic success in their studies. The study considers the impact of these support areas on international students’ academic success in terms of their self-reported Grade Point Average (GPA) and perceived success using the Bronfenbrenner’s theory of human development at the micro-, meso-, and macro- levels. A quantitative study was conducted to measure the impact of these support areas on international students’ academic success measured in terms of their self-reported GPA and perceived success. A target sample size of 399 international students was recruited to participate in a hard copy, one-on-one survey. These students were current international students at a large community college in Western Canada. It is expected that this study would help to determine the impact of the support areas on the academic success of international students in community colleges. The results of this study showed that international students’ support areas at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels were all strongly related to their academic success in terms of their self-reported GPA and perceived success. The federal government’s strategy of increasing international students’ presence in Canada as a way of addressing the aging work force and population challenge in Canada would be more successful with increased investments in these support areas. Indeed, Government rhetoric at all levels and an increased investments in these important support areas are essential in ensuring the academic success of international students, and making Canada a top and competitive destination of choice for international students. Keywords: International students, Support areas, Community college, Bronfenbrenner, Canad

Pharmacological and other beneficial effects of antinutritional factors in plants - A review

The health and other benefits of plant’s secondary metabolites, also known as antinutritional factors are reviewed. Examples of these natural compounds of plant origin are saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids,tannins, oxalates, phytates, trypsin (protease) inhibitors,  phytohaemagglutinins (lectins), just to mention a few. Emphasis has always been laid on the toxic and anti-nutrient effects of thesecompounds in the natural state even though many of them are detoxified by several processing methods such as soaking, germination, boiling, autoclaving, fermentation, genetic manipulation and other processing methods. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest by researchers in the use of naturally occurring biologically active compounds of medicinal value (phytomedicines). The plant kingdom still contains many species of plant-containing substances of pharmacological and other benefits. In the search for new drugs to combat the problem of drug resistance, natural products ofplant origin play a vital role. This review is an attempt to redefine the importance of these natural compounds as a possible solution to the problem of drug resistance and to explore their potentials forthe benefit of humans and animals

Determinants of Gender Income Inequality in Selected Sub- Saharan African Countries

While there has been a reduction in the global gender wage gap in the last few decades, considerable income gaps biased against women still exist and several causal factors have been identified. However, previous studies have been concentrated mostly on developed countries. This study analysed the factors responsible for gender income inequality in seven selected sub-Saharan African countries. The analysis of the result showed that gender income inequality was significantly influenced by tertiary education (t=7.85, p<0.05), population growth (t=-3.98, p<0.05), and government expenditure (t=6.29, p<0.05) in the selected sub-Saharan African countries. There has been slow decline in gender gap in education and occupation while gender income inequality is stalled. Keywords: Gender, Income Inequality, Panel Data

Evaluation of haematological and plasma biochemical effects of aqueous extracts of Parkia biglobosa seeds in rats

The effects of sub-acute exposure to aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa seeds on haematology and plasma biochemical parameters were studied. Twenty eight male Wistar albino rats were orally ingested with 0, 200, 400 and 800 mgkg-1 dose of the extract for 21 days and were sacrificed. Haematological parameters were assessed: red blood cell counts, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration significantly (p<0.05) increased at the 800 mgkg-1 dose. We also observed significant increases in white blood cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils at this dose. Evaluation of effect of seed extract on plasma biochemical values revealed significant increase in total protein, albumin and aspartate amino transferase. However, the extract caused significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Changes observed in plasma levels of globulin, alanine amino-transferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not significantly different from the control at all treatment doses.Key words: Haematology, biochemistry, aqueous extract, Parkia biglobosa seed

The importance of genetics in the diagnosis of animal diseases - A review

Genetic diseases have always been present in the animal population but their significance has increased in recent decades. The wealth of knowledge on genomic information, systems biology and mechanisms of diseases provide great opportunities to elucidate the genetic bases of diseases. The use of recombinant DNA techniques in conjunction with conventional genetic methods have led to a rapid increase in knowledge of the genetic map. Many animal genes have been mapped to chromosomes. A detailed genetic map has become of great value in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and in the development of potential cures through gene transfer therapy. In view of the emerging animal diseases like avian influenza, swine influenza among others with serious health implications for humans, this review aims at highlighting the association between diseases and genes in animals. The information derived could assist in the prevention and management of emerging animal diseases and in future drug discovery processes

Assessing Internet Activities and Its Derived Benefits for Learning Among Secondary School Students in Ilorin South, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate students’ internet activities and its benefits on their learning outcomes in a secondary school in Ilorin South, Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey; three research questions were raised to guide the study. There were 256 students for the study sample and the instrument utilized was researchers’ designed questionnaire with 20 items. The statistical tools used for data analysis included frequency count, simple percentage and mean score. The findings showed that students utilized internet for playing games, watching movies and as a place that provides quality learning contents and best answers to their schoolwork among others. Furthermore, the findings indicated that students had many benefits from the internet such as, motivating them to go on adventure, found fun and able to solve many schoolwork/assignments. Based on the findings, the study recommends that students of secondary education should be encouraged to pay attention more to educative activities online than other activities, and get focused on their academics accordingly. The stakeholders in general and secondary school authority in particular should monitor well the activities students engage themselves with online. Keywords: Assessment, Digital technology, Internet activities, Learning outcomes, Benefit

A review of the biochemical, biotechnological and other applications of enzymes

Enzymes are proteins evolved by the cells of living organisms. Their specific function is to catalyse chemical reactions. Enzymes increase the rate at which reactions approach equilibrium. Enzymes have found wide and diverse applications in different disciplines and fields of human endeavours. Enzymesplay critical role in the metabolic activities of all living organisms, whether humans, animals, plants or microorganisms and are widely applied in agriculture, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, genetics, industries, human and veterinary medicine, pharmacy, research, etc. The differentapplications of enzymes abound in the literature. The aim of this review is to discuss the diverse applications of enzymes for the purpose of teaching, education and research