ABSTRACT
The shells of molluscs protect them from physical damage, predators and dehydration. We studied various local uses of shells and their biochemical properties in Abeokuta, Nigeria. A standard structured questionnaire about use was applied to 100 snail and herb sellers and shells from 120 adult individuals of Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica, Littorina littorea, Meretrix lusoria and Merceneria mercenaria were evaluated for their mineral components (Ca2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Na+, Zn+, P+, K+) and proximate composition (crude protein, ash, fibre, crude fat and carbohydrate) using standard methods. Properties against fungi and bacteria isolates were also tested. These shells are used for bleaching, brushing, abrasion and others. The weight of the shells varied from 0.5g (L. littorea) to 25.00g (A. marginata) and thickness from 0.46mm in M .lusoria to 5.35mm in M. mercenaria. We found no inhibitory effect against fungi and bacterial isolates. The molluscs are high in carbohydrates (83.54-92.76g/100g) and low in protein (0.16-0.38g/100g). The fat content ranged between 0.42g/100g and 0.82g/100g, and ash between 2.14g/100g and 9.45g/100g. Ca2+ was the most abundant (10.25-96.35mg/g) while K+ was the least abundant (0.3-0.7mg/g) (p<0.05). Active ingredients of these shells can be used in the feed and construction industries.
Las conchas protegen a los moluscos del daño físico, los depredadores y la deshidratación. En este trabajo se estudiaron los diversos usos locales de las conchas y sus propiedades bioquímicas en Abeokuta, Nigeria. Se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado estándar sobre los usos de las conchas, aplicado a 100 vendedores de caracoles y hierbas, conchas de 120 individuos adultos de Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica, Littorina littorea, Meretrix lusoria y Merceneria mercenaria fueron evaluados para la extracción de los compuestos minerales (Ca2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Na+, Zn+, P+, K+) y la composición proximal (proteína cruda, materia seca, fibra, contenido graso y carbohidratos) usando métodos estándar. También se analizaron las propiedades de aislamientos contra hongos y bacterias. Las conchas se utilizan para el blanqueamiento, cepillado, abrasión y otros. El peso de las conchas varió de 0.5g (L. littorea) a 25.00g (A. marginata) y el espesor de 0.46mm en M. lusoria a 5.35mm en M. mercenaria. No se encontraron efectos inhibidores de los aislamientos contra hongos y bacterias. Los moluscos resultaron ricos en carbohidratos (83.54-92.76g/100g) y bajos en proteínas (0.16-0.38g/100g). El contenido graso osciló entre 0.42g/100g y 0.82g/100g y la materia seca entre 2.14g/100g y 9.45g/100g. Ca2+ fue el más abundante (10.25-96.35mg/g), mientras que K+ el menos abundante (0.3-0.7mg/g) (p<0.05). Los ingredientes activos de estas conchas se pueden utilizar en la industria alimentaria y de la construcción.
Subject(s)
Animal Shells/chemistry , Mollusca/anatomy & histology , NigeriaABSTRACT
Background: National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP) adopted Stop TB strategy in 2006 as a result of high TB burden which outlined engagement of all care providers including Private Pharmacists (PP) in TB control. However, there were no previous baseline studies done on knowledge and practices on TB control among private pharmacists needed to appraise their potential role and contribution to TB control which forms the basis of this study. Aims & Objective: To provide relevant information about tuberculosis case detection skills among private pharmacists in Osogbo, South Western Nigeria for the purpose of policy initiation, planning and decision making. Material and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study using pre-tested structured questionnaire was conducted in November, 2007 among 47 Private Pharmacists (PP) randomly selected in Osogbo, South West, Nigeria. Verbal consent was taken before given the questionnaire. Sampling technique was a convenient sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS v 16. Results: Almost all Private pharmacists interviewed (80.9%) were seeing TB suspects and had a good knowledge on TB etiology (100%) and air borne route of transmission (70%). Majority (90%) did not know TB treatment duration and standardized drug regimen for adult (93%) and children (97.9%). Less than half (40.4%) regarded sputum microscopy as the best test to confirm diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, majority (99%) had no previous training on standard guidelines on TB control by the National Program. Conclusion: Private pharmacists were seen TB suspects with inadequate knowledge on Nigerian Guidelines on TB control. National tuberculosis and Leprosy control program (NTBLCP) must take appropriate measure to educate and train Private Pharmacists in TB management.