Engineering Parameters Responses during Extrusion Processing of Noodles Analogue from Water Yam, Yellow Maize, and African Yam Bean Flour Mixture

This study investigated the effect of extrusion process on engineering properties of noodles analogue from water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean. Flour blend from water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean were produced using the standard method of dry milling and was used to extrude noodles analogue using a brabender single screw laboratory extruder (Duisburg DCE 330 model) fitted with 3.0mmdie nozzle diameter. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with three variables, namely barrel temperature, feed moisture content and screw speed and five level coded – a, -1, 0, +1,, +a, was used for the study and data was generated at (p<0.05). Results of result of the engineering properties of noodles analogue showed that toque ranged from 22.4 to 60.50Nm/s, mass flow rate ranged from 33.90 to 109g/min-1, specific mechanical energy ranged from 100.19 to 385.97kj/kg, and the residence time ranged from 22 to 55s in this study. The CCRD was effective in explaining the effect of the process conditions on noodles analogue as influenced by barrel temperature, feed moisture content, and screw speed of the extruder. The data obtained from the study could be used for control of product characteristics.It was generally observed that the changing of feed moisture content, barrel temperature, and screw speed influenced an acceptable torque, mass flow rate, and residence time during the extruder operation. The noodles analogue produced at this cheap machine operating conditions could be projected for commercial production.

Functional Properties of Noodles Analogue from Water Yam, Yellow Maize, and African Yam Bean Mixtures – A Response Surface Methodology

Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of extrusion process on proximate composition of noodles analogue from water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean flour mixture. Flour blend from water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean were produced and was used to extrude noodles analogue using a Brabender single screw laboratory extruder (Duisburg DCE 330 model) fitted with 3.0 mm die nozzle diameter. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with three variables, namely barrel temperature, feed moisture content and screw speed and five level coded – a, -1, 0, +1, +a, was used and data analyzed by regression analysis. Results showed that bulk density ranged from 0.41 to 0.09 g/cm water solubility index ranged from 4.41 to 6.36%; water absorption capacity ranged from 2.05 to 5.66% and expansion ratio ranged from 1.62 to 3.81respectively. The coefficients of determinations (R2) were high and ranged from 0.9039 to 0.9887 at 5% level. The response surface plots suggested that the models developed had a good fit and the CCRD was effective in explaining the effect of the process conditions on noodles analogue as influenced by barrel temperature, feed moisture content, and screw speed of the extruder. The data obtained from the study could be used for control of product characteristics. The study indicated that improved noodles analogue from available and cheap roots, cereal and legumes such as water yam, yellow maize, and African yam bean can be produced for possible projection for the commercial production of noodles analogue.

Pattern of Refractive Errors in a Tertiary Hospital in South East, Nigeria

Background: Uncorrected refractive errors (RE) are a major cause of visual impairment. They affect a large proportion of the population globally and have psychological and socio-economic effects on the individual, family and society. They could lead to poor quality of life.Aim: To determine the pattern and predisposing factors of refractive errors among patients seen in the outpatient clinic.Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study involving patients with refractive error that presented to the eye clinic in the year 2017. Data were obtained from patients’ records, entered into and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.Results: A total of 300 patients with refractive errors were seen in the period of study. This comprised of 93 males and 207 females with mean age of 40.13±17.6 years. The commonest presenting complaint was blurring of both far & near vision (24%), other presenting complaints in decreasing order of frequency were blurring of distant vision, itching, blurring of near vision, eye pain, headache and red eyes in 18%,15%, 9.6%, 5.6%, and 3.2% respectively. Presbyopia was noted in 55.3% while myopia, anisometropia, astigmatism and hypermetropia were noted in 20.7%, 19.3%, 7.0% and 1.3% respectively. Nuclear sclerosis was the commonest co-existing ocular pathology or morbidity.Statistically significant association was found between age of the patients and presence of ocular disease existing with RE (p=0.016).Conclusion: Fifty-one percent of the study population had refractive errors. The commonest refractive error was myopia while hypermetropia was the least common refractive error in this environment.

Growth Performance of Albino Rats Orally Administered with Honey from Apis mellifera adansonii and Refined Sugar at Varying Levels

The purpose of this research was to find out the growth performance of albino rats orally administered with honey from Apis mellifera adansonii and refined granulated sugar at varying quantities. Twenty-five (25) healthy albino rats used in the study were grouped into five treatments based on the dose of natural honey and granulated sugar as follow: T1 (1.02g of honey kg BW), T2 (1.40g of honey kg BW), T3 (1.02g of granulated sugar kg BW), and T4 (1.40g of granulated sugar kg BW). However, rats in T5 were not administered honey and refined granulated sugar hence served as the control. The data on fructose and micronutrients concentrations of natural honey and refined sugar as well as data on the weight gain and feed intake of the albino rats were determined after 28 days. According to the findings of this study, the fructose concentration was higher in natural honey (195.78mg/ml) while refined sugar (30.225mg/ml) recorded the least value. Also, copper (0.15ppm) and manganese (0.05ppm) had the highest mean concentration in natural honey, while iron (0.04ppm) and zinc (0.07ppm) were higher in refined sugar. The study's findings revealed that the highest feed intake by albino rat was recorded in T1 (148.16g) while T5 (140.27g) had the least. There were no significant differences in albino rat feed intake among the five treatments (p>0.05). The highest weight gain was recorded by the albino rat in T1 (69.84g) while T5 (32.28g) had the least. There were no significant differences in the weight gain of the albino rats among the five treatments. This study's findings led to the conclusion that the doses of natural honey used did not significantly increase the weight gain of albino rats.

Urban-rural differences in health service-related factors associated with male involvement in family planning services in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria

Objective: To identify and compare the health service-related factors associated with male involvement in family planning services among the rural and urban areas in Abia State, Nigeria. Design: A community-based cross-sectional study. Setting: Twelve communities (six urban and six rural) in Abia State, Nigeria Participants: Five hundred and eighty-eight (588) men aged 15-59 years and resident in the study area 6 months before the study were recruited. Main outcome measure: Male involvement in family planning services Results: The mean ages of the respondents were 41.8±8.0 years and 43.1±8.0 years in the urban and rural areas, respectively. Active male involvement in family planning services was significantly higher in urban areas (62.6%, 95%CI: 56.8%-68.1%) compared to the rural areas (47.6%, 95%CI: 41.5%-53.2%. p<0.001). The predictors of male involvement included gender preference of healthcare workers (aOR=1.75, 95%CI:1.01-3.03) and attitude of the healthcare workers (aOR=2.07, 95%CI:1.17-3.67) among the urban participants, compared to occupational status of the respondents (aOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.16-5.56) and the availability of male-friendly clinics (aOR=2.27, 95%CI:1.25-4.15) among the rural participants. Conclusion: Health service-related factors associated with male involvement varied between the urban and rural settings. Stakeholders should target addressing health service-related factors by types of settlement while designing family planning programs targeting men

Overview of human and animal brucellosis in Nigeria and its economic impacts on production

Brucellosis is a wide spread zoonotic bacterial disease of humans and animals. In humans the disease is recognized commonly as undulant fever, characterized by headache malaise, and arthritis. Brucellosis can occur in any age group, but mainly found in young men between the ages of 20 and 40 years because of occupational hazards. Domestic animals (cattle, sheep and goat, pigs, dogs etc) are highly susceptible to brucellosis. Generally, brucellosis manifest in female animals as abortion, retained placenta, stillbirth and death of young ones soon after birth. In males, the main features are vesiculitis, orchitis, and epididymitis, which may render infected male infertile for life. The endemicity of brucellosis has remained a threat in low- income countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and has multiple economic implications across agriculture and public health sectors, and broader implications on economic and social development sectors. Google and Google Scholar were used to retrieve articles used for this review, which included published research articles and local, national and international reports on brucellosis. In this review, we summarised human and animal brucellosis, prevalence of infections in Nigeria, and economic impacts on production. It is believed that this review will guide researchers on the state of brucellosis in developing countries where the disease is still endemic, using Nigeria as a case study.

Evaluation of Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron, and Some Haematological Parameters of Patients Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Southeastern Part of Nigeria

A study to evaluate the levels of interferon-gamma, interleukins 6 and 10, hepcidin, iron status and some haematological parameters in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus was carried out. A total of 150 subjects aged 18-60 years were enlisted for this study. The subjects were grouped into: Group A (50 control subjects) and Group B (100 HIV subjects, 50 subjects were non ART HIV patients, 50 subjects were on Lamivudine, Tenofavir and Efavirenz). About 7ml of venous blood were collected from each subject;4.5ml of blood were placed into plain tubes for assay of interferon gamma, interleukins (6&10), hepcidin and iron and 2.5ml for FBC, CD4 count and HIV screening. The cytokines and hepcidinwere measured using Melsin ELISA Kits and Teco Diagnostics kits used for iron. Full blood count was determined by automation using Mindray BC-5300, China. The data was analysed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 using ANOVA and the level of significance set at P<0.05. The results showed difference that was statistically significant (P<0.05) in IFN-γ (16.25±0.87pg/ml, 29.31±1.44pg/ml,18.49±1.48pg/ml, P=0.000),IL-6(7.98±0.22pg/ml, 11.08±1.21pg/ml,8.79±0.76pg/ml,P=0.000), IL-10(8.52±0.62pg/ml, 16.62±1.53pg/ml,10.39±1.06Pg/ml P=0.000), CD4 (1045.54 ±247.24Cells/L, 195.60 ±35.94Cells/L,10.39±1.06cells/L P=0.000), hepcidin (6.03±1.38ng/ml, 39.59 ±4.50ng/ml, 20.86±3.43ng/ml, P=0.000), Iron (86.29±7.27 μg/dl, 73.43±5.45 μg/dl,85.44±8.45μg/dl, P=0.000), TIBC (345.56±28.40 μg/dl, 287.19 ±8.21μg/dl,305.46±18.82μg/dl, P=0.000),%TSA (25.16±3.18%, 25.61±2.22%,28.08 ±3.42%,P=0.000) WBC (5.87 ±0.88 X 109/L, 4.69±0.72X 109/L,4.80±0.45X 109/L, P=0.000), Neutrophils (60.57±2.83%, 75.16±3.68%,69.04±2.90%, P=0.000), Lymphocytes (30.69 ±2.84%, 17.24±2.50%, 24.46±2.60%,P=0.000), Monocytes (5.59 ±1.2%, 4.18±1.12%,3.97±0.92%, P=0.000), Eosinophils (2.30 ±1.05%, 2.16±0.82%,1.67±0.57%, P=0.000), Basophil 0.86 ±0.39%, 1.31±0.94%, 0.86±0.44%,P=0.018), RBC (4.92±0.30 X 1012/L, 3.34±0.21 X 1012/L,3.60 ±0.18X 1012/L, P=0.000), Haemoglobin (14.75±0.90,g/dl, 10.05±0.65g/dl,10.80±0.53g/dl, P=0.000), PCV (44.25±2.70%, 30.14±1.95,32.56±1.50%, P=0.000), MCV(89.92±2.3fl, 79.49±1.28fl,88.15±2.08fl, P=0.029), MCH (36.12±1.53pg, 26.60±0.48P, P=0.002), Platelets (261.75±22.71 X 109/L, 246.16±9.93 X 109/L,189.32±17.00X 109/L, P=0.000), ESR (7.03 ±1.38mm/hr, 59.52 ±6.46mm/hr,43.34±4.82mm/hr, P=0.000) when compared among Control, Non ART HIV and ART positive subjects.g,28.57±1.78pg, P=0.000), MCHC (368.46±12.28g/l, 318.92±7.33g/l,333.56±22.61g/l. The study shows that interferon gamma, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 and hepcidin are some of the biomarkers in thepathogenesis of HIV. The infection of HIV increases the levels of the cytokines. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as prognostic and diagnostic markers as their levels decreased with treatment of the patients

Biochemical and liver histological changes in rats exposed to sub-lethal dose of Uproot-pesticide and the protective potentials of nutritional supplements

This study determined the therapeutic potentials of vitamin C, glutathione, and garlic on the hepatic andhistological changes induced by uproot-pesticide on albino Wistar rats. All animal groups (except normalcontrol) received intraperitoneally 50 mg/kg body weight of uproot-pesticide (a commercially formulatedglyphosate-based herbicide) on alternate days and daily oral administration (except Uproot control) of 20 mg/kg body weight of glutathione, vitamin C, and garlic as nutritional supplements singly and in combination for28 days. Liver function and oxidative stress parameters of the liver were determined using blood and liversamples. Histological studies were done on the liver tissue. The values obtained showed significant variationof measured parameters in Uproot control compared to groups administered nutritional supplements and thecontrol. These variations indicated oxidative liver damage and significant therapeutic potential of the nutritionalsupplements. Other observed significant and non-significant changes were discussed.

Phytochemical Composition and Biochemical Studies of the Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Brillantaisia guianensis P. beauv on Alloxan Treated Wistar Albino Rats

The present study was carried out on the phytochemical composition and biochemical studies oftheleafextract ofBrillantaisia guinensis peuvon alloxan treated Wistar albinorats.The experimental rats were administered with 80mg/kgbodyweight of alloxan,viathetailvein.After five days treatment with alloxan, thetreatment with the extractscommenced. Extracts wereadministeredorallyat100,200and 300mg/kg bw(both tonormal andtreated rats) for twenty-one days.Metformin,which served as a standard drug was administered at50mg/kg. Chromatographicanalysisof thephytochemical content of the leaf extract, revealed the presence of flavonoids (30.7mg/100g), saponins(50.6mg/100g), phytosterol (6.22mg/100g), tannins (7.50mg/100g) and glycosides(29.3mg/100g). Comparedtotest and normalcontrol,the extractsdose-dependentlyand significantlylowered(P<0.05) plasmaglucose and triglycerides, during the experimental period. Thisstudy revealedthe presence of pharma cologically bioactive compounds inthelea fextract and showed that the leaf extract had a dose-dependent hypoglycemic and hypotriglyceridemic effect on the Wistaralbino rats. The findings suggest a likely protective role of the extracts against hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia thereby useful in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus, obesity and other related cardiovascular diseases.

Nutritional Composition of Flour Blends from Water Yam, Yellow Maize and African Yam Bean

Adequate and proper understanding of the nutritional composition of different flour materials is important in their use in the production of baked food materials. The proximate composition of water yam-yellow maize and African yam bean flour mixtures was therefore evaluated in this study. Standard procedure for dry-milling unit operation was used in the flour processing. Flour samples were blended in different ratios to form the following composite samples: AFK which comprised of 30% water yam (WY):40% yellow maize (YM):30% African yam bean (AYB); BGL which comprised of 40WY:30%YM:30%AYB CHM comprising of 50%WY:20%YM:30%AYB; DIN comprising of 60%YM:10%YM:30%AYB and control treatment comprising of 100%WY. Crude protein content ranged from 4 to 22.50%; fat content ranged from 1.80%; ash content ranged from 7.00%; moisture content ranged from 6.00 to 10.00% carbohydrate content ranged from 50.43 to 80.90% and energy content ranged from 331.50 to 356.35%ked. Addition of yellow maize and African yam bean statistically (p<0.05) increased the protein, fat, fibre, ash, moisture and energy content of flour blend but statistically (P<0.5) reduced the carbohydrate content. Flour sample DIN found to be adequate for both children and adult consumption of the flour when compared to the Codex Alimentarius Commission [1].

Path Coefficient Analysis, Character Association and Variability Studies in Selected Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes Grown in Southern Nigeria

The success of any selection process is greatly enhanced by using appropriate selection indices. The knowledge of the relationship among various traits affecting grain yield is imperative to arrive at potentially effective selection index. The study was carried out to unveil the different attributes of genetic variability, the type of interrelationships among the various traits affecting yield. Fifteen local and improved maize inbred lines were crossed to three tester varieties to develop 45 test cross progenies. The parents and crosses (63 entries in all) were evaluated in two different locations with three replications at each location using the Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data generated was recorded for the quantitative traits evaluated and subjected to statistical analysis for estimation of various variability parameters namely GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance alongside computing genotypic correlation coefficients and path coefficient analysis to unveil the direct and indirect effects of the various traits studied. The analysis of variability parameters evaluated revealed the presence of significant variability for all the traits studied. Grain yield, ear length, ear height, 100-seed weight and ear diameter showed high GCV estimates, with high heritability. The genetic advance was higher for plant height, ear length, grain/row and grain yield. The genotypic correlation coefficient revealed that ear diameter, 100 seed weight, ear length, kernel rows/ear and grains/row had highest significant correlation with grain yield. The path coefficient analysis revealed that highest direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by 100 seed weight followed by grains/row, kernel rows/ear, ear length and ear diameter. Most of the traits exerted their positive indirect effects through 100 – seed weight, kernel rows/ear and grains/row. The inferences of the results of the present study and their possible implications in maize breeding have been revealed.

Pasting Properties of Flour Blends from Water Yam, Yellow Maize and African Yam Bean Seeds

Pasting properties of flour blends from water yam, yellow maize and African yam bean were investigated in this study. Peak viscosity ranged from 133.50 to 166.25RVU, Trough viscosity ranged from 85.08 to 135.20RVU, break down viscosity ranged from 28.17 to 50.58RVU, final viscosity ranged from 5.05 to 5.49 min and pasting temperature ranged from 80.25 84.15oC. Addition of yellow maize and African yam bean affected (p<0.05) the peak viscosity, trough viscosity, break down viscosity, final viscosity, and setback viscosity in different trends. However, peak time and peak temperature of the flour sample were not statically (p<0.05) affected by the blend ratio in this study. Amongst the flour samples investigated in this study, flour sample DIN (60%WY:10%YM:30%AYB) showed promise for value added products such as noodles among other flour products. They flour sample adjusted to be the best sample could be used as a good replacement for wheat flour and when achieved, it will reduce the cost of importation.

Effect Of Yogurt Intake On Plasma Glucose And Serum Lipid Profile In Apparently Healthy Students Of College Of Health Sciences, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of oral intake of yogurt on plasma glucose and serum lipid profile levels (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein) in apparently healthy stu-dents. A total of 30 subjects (16 males and 14 females) were recruited to serve as both test and control groups. Each subject was advised to abstain from milk and similar probiotic food consumption for three weeks. Baseline samples (after an overnight fast and 2 hours postprandial after oral intake of carbohydrate meal) were collected from both males and females at day 0 as control samples, and levels of glucose and lipid profile were evaluated. Subsequently, in addition to their normal diet, each of the subjects received 100ml of yogurt daily for 21 day. After an overnight fast, post research (test 1stand 2nd) samples (fasting blood sample and 2 hours postprandial after oral intake of carbohydrate meal) were collected on days 11 and 22 respectively and the levels of glucose and lipid profile were re-evaluated. Blood glucose and lipid concentrations were determined using standard methods. There was significant increase in mean serum triglyceride (TG) value 11days following yogurt intake (intermediate consumption) when compared to baseline level (0.63±0.15 Vs 0.53±0.19; p<0.05). Also, there was a significant decrease in mean serum TG value 21 days following yogurt intake (post consumption) when compared to baseline and intermediate levels (0.50±0.19 Vs 0.53±0.19 and 0.50±0.19 Vs0.63±0.15; p<0.05) respectively. There was a significant increase in mean serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) value 21days following yogurt intake when compared to day 11 (intermediate consumption) and baseline levels (1.36±0.34 Vs 1.14±0.24 and 1.36±0.34 Vs 0.99±0.19; p<0.05) respectively. Also, there was a significant increase in mean serum total cholesterol (TC) value 21 days following yogurt intake when compared to day 11 and baseline levels (p<0.05) respectively. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level remained unchanged 11 and 21 days following yogurt intake (p>0.05). There was significant increase in the mean blood glucose level (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study has shown that the lipid profile and blood glucose levels in individuals consuming yogurt may experience significant alterations which may have important clinical implications in the management of diabetes. Fur-ther studies may be necessary in understanding the mechanism behind theses effects.

Proximate and Phytochemical Profile of Melanthera biflora Leaves

The proximate and phytochemical composition of Melanthera biflorawas investigated, using standard methods. From the obtained results the leaves had high moisture contents(71.1± 0.2%) and crude fiber (3.91 ± 0.5) while containing moderate protein (7.0 ± 0.03%), while containing lipid (1.10 ± 4%), ash (2.8 ± 0.2%), total carbohydrate (6.09 ± 0.2%) and caloric value (62.26±0.14 kcal/100g). Eleven Phytochemical families were detected with tannin as the most abundant (27.82%) consisting 100% tannic acid. Thirteen alkaloids (13.65%) were detected consisting mainly of morphine (28.05%), methylmorphine (16.22%), dephnoline (12.02%) biflorin, (20.63%), aromoline (12.61%) homoaromaline (7.79%). Twenty-three flavonoid (5.71%) chief among which were quercetin (44.21%), kaemferol (28.94%), dandzein (7.20%), letuolin (10.17%), salvagenin (6.76%), sinensetin 8.20% were detected. The most prominent of the ten carotenoids (2.48%), is lutein (40.76%),followed by carotene (17.90%), malvidin 5.63%, zeaxanthin (16.5%), viola-xanthin (9.5%). Sixty one terpenoid including linalool (40.98%), germacrene (12.74%), Alpha-terpineal 6.40%, terpinen –4-01 (5.62%), and Gamma terpine were found in the leaves Of the six phenolicacids (16.26%)the highest was ferulic acid (53.94%), followed closely by vanilic acid (45.8%). Seven phytosterol (2.25%), consisting of sitosterol (65.3%), savenasterol (14.19%) stigmasterol (12.70%), and others were detected. The leaves had very a low hydroxycinnamic acid content (8.93x10-4%) content, consisting of eight known compounds of which caffeic acid (71.93%) and p-coumaric acid (27.91%) were the most abundant. They also had very a low allicins (1.94x10-4%) content, consisting of daillylthiosulphunate (97.05%), and methyl thiosulphinate (2.6%) and allylthiosulphin and allylthiosulphinate (0.3%). The leaves had a very low content of glycosides consisting of eight known compounds of which quabain (78.54%) were detected and they include gitogenin (22.04%), diosgenin (20.02), neohegen (20.79%). Their rich contents of nutrients and many bioactive molecules suggest strong nutraceutical potential of these leaves, further suggesting their likely use as functional a food and therapeutic uses in the management and prevention of diseases.

Prevalence of HIV infection among newly admitted students in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the associated acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have remained a serious scourge and a major public health concern, affecting millions in sub-Saharan Africa despite awareness campaigns, preventive measures and promotion of antiretroviral regimens. This study determined the prevalence of HIV among newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University as a measure of the impact of awareness campaign towards prevention of HIV transmission. Methods: Newly admitted students of Ebonyi State University totalling 2,736 who voluntarily enrolled for the study were screened for HIV infection using the national HIV testing algorithm after information relating to their personal lifestyle, knowledge of safer sex and preventive measures have been obtained with the use of a client intake form. Results: Of the 2,736 subjects screened, 6 were positive for HIV, giving a prevalence rate of 0.22%, with prevalence rate of 0.29% (4 of 1344) in females and 0.14% (2 of 1392) in males (X2=0.2041, p=0.6514). The positive subjects were spread across age groups 15-19 years (1), 20-24 years (4) and 25-29 years (1). Males and females who have had sex were 801 and 579 out of which 239 and 209 respectively acknowledged to have had unprotected sex within three months of the study. Conclusion: The low HIV prevalence rate of 0.22% among school age and young adults in this study may indicate that awareness and safe sex campaigns in Ebonyi State have positive impact in HIV prevention amongst these groups of people

Nutrient Composition of Brillantaisia guianensis P. Beuv Leaves

Aim:The quantitative nutrient composition of leaves of Brillantaisia guianensis P. beuv was investigated. Source and Identification of Sample:The leaves of B. guianensisused in this study were harvested fresh from Ude plantation in Okon Aku, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. They were identified by a Taxonomist (Dr Edwin Wosu) in the Herbarium Unit of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt. Study Design:The study was designed, using standard methods, to determine the proximate, amino acids, minerals and vitamins composition of the leaves. Results:The wet leaves were high in moisture (88.4%) while the dried sample had practically no moisture, indicating that the wet leaves could easily be prone to microbial spoilage due to high water activity. Drying increased protein level from 3.50 to 28.0% and ash from 2.36 to 27.7% among other parameters. The low calorific values for wet sample (16.1 kcal/100 g) and dry sample (152.3 kcal/100 g sample) showed that the leaves are poor energy-giving foods. However, the leaves contain good amino acid profile especially the essential amino acids (valine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine and tryptophan).The nutrient mineral (Na Ca, Mg, K, Se, P, Fe) levels were high to supply the World Health Organization recommended daily allowance for adults and children.The sample contains appreciable amount of fats and water -soluble vitamins required for growth. Conclusion:The results show that the leaves are good sources of essential and non-essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins adequate to meet the required daily allowance for nourishment of the body

Minerals, Vitamins and Amino Acids Compositions of Melanthera biflora

The minerals, vitamins and Amino acids composition of Melanthera bifloraleaves were investigated using standard methods. The result shows that out of the eleven vitamins detected; only vitamin C was found in moderately high amount (99.37mg/100g), while the rest were in insignificant amount. Ten minerals element were detected, including iron (14.63) copper (2.32). Cobalt (0.04) manganese (5.13), calcium (93.52) magnesium (126.17), potassium (71.39) sodium (32.37), phosphorus 36.50, selenium (0.006) all in mg/100g. The leaves have essentials and non-essential amino acid of 47.5% and 45.94% respectively. It has all the essential amino acids except tryptophan. This result shows that the leaves contain an appreciable amount of amino acids, vitamins and minerals that could be included in diets to supplement our daily dietary allowance.

Oxidative stress markers and lipid profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVE: To determine the activities of oxidative stress markers and lipid profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a nested case-control study consisting of 50 PCOS patients and 50 healthy women of the same age range without any evidence of PCOS. The study measured the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (TAC); concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) using standard spectrophotometric methods. Anthropometric indices were also assessed. P-values of <0.05 were taken to be statistically significant. RESULTS: There were significantly higher levels of MDA (P=0.002), lower activity of SOD (P<0.001), and lower TAC (P=0.001) in PCOS patients when compared with the controls. There were higher concentrations of TC (P=0.017) and LDL-C P=0.012) in PCOS patients than in controls. Significant differences were not observed between the 2 groups in terms of the activity of GSH-Px, as well as the concentrations of HDL-C and TG. The body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio were all significantly higher in PCOS patients. CONCLUSION: This study revealed higher levels of MDA, as well as lower activity of SOD and TAC, among PCOS patients. Furthermore, there were higher levels of TC and LDL-C among the PCOS patients. Hence, monitoring these parameters may improve the clinical management of PCOS.

Gas Chromatographic FID Evaluation of Roots of Manniophyton fulvum

The phytochemical composition of the root extract of Manniophyton fulvumwas screened by gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization and pulse flame photometric detectors. Among the twenty flavonoids detected, only quercetin (107.44mg/100g), kaemoferol (66.19mg/100g), quercetrin (49.87mg/100g), rutin (28.52mg/100g) and, apigenin (28.67mg/100g) representing (37.99%,23.41%, 10.14%, 17.64%, and 10.09%) respectively were prominent. The rest were in insignificantamount. The aqueous root extract contain nine glycoside compound consisting mainly of digoxin (27.166mg/100mg 58.5%), digitoxin (17.9 mg/100g (38.51%) and 0.8mg/100g (2.99%) of kampferol-3-rhamnoside.The rest were of a very little amount. For saponin, theFID gas chromatography analysis revealed that euphol, saponine, sapogenin had the highest concentration of 20.268490mg/100g, 0.3369mg/100g, and 0.065978mg/100g making up of 97.9%,1.62% and 0.3% percentage composition respectively. The rest were ininsignificant amount. Seven benzoicacids were detected by the GC-FID consisting mainly of p-hydroxyl benzoic 6.288160mg/100g (65.4%), gallic acid 2.96280 mg/100g (30.8%) and gentisic acid 0.355mg/100g (3.71%). Out of the ten carotenoid detected, the highest concentration were violaxanthine 47.80526 (49.95%), astraxanthine 26.62538, (27.82%), lutein 8.24911 (8.93%) and neoxanthine 6.54195mg/100g. (6.84%). For phytosterol, the bioactive compound include sitosterol 14.2007mg/100g (71.53%), campesterol 3.54mg/100g (17.85%) and stigmasterol 2.1093mg/100g (10.6%) making up highest concentration. Three allicin compound were detected which include diallylthiosulphinate (95.92%), methyl allylthiosulphinate (3.50%) and allyl methyl thiosulphinate (0.58%). These results show that Manniophyton fulvum has many bioactive molecules suggesting strong therapeutic and nutraceutical potentials suggesting their likely uses in the management and prevention of diseases.

Anti-inflammatory activity of a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from an enzymatic digest of brown seaweed Sargassum horneri in RAW 264.7 cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sargassum horneri is an edible brown alga that grows in the subtidal zone as an annual species along the coasts of South Korea, China, and Japan. Recently, an extreme amount of S. horneri moved into the coasts of Jeju Island from the east coast of China, which made huge economic and environmental loss to the Jeju Island. Thus, utilization of this biomass becomes a big issue with the local authorities. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of crude polysaccharides (CPs) extracted from S. horneri China strain in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: CPs were precipitated from S. horneri digests prepared by enzyme assistant extraction using four food-grade enzymes (AMG, Celluclast, Viscozyme, and Alcalase). The production levels of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were measured by Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were measured by using western blot. The IR spectrums of the CPs were recorded using a fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrometer. RESULTS: The polysaccharides from the Celluclast enzyme digest (CCP) showed the highest inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (IC₅₀ value: 95.7 µg/mL). Also, CCP dose-dependently down-regulated the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 as well as the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β, compared to the only LPS-treated cells. In addition, CCP inhibited the activation of NF-κB p50 and p65 and the phosphorylation of MAPKs, including p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, FT-IR analysis showed that the FT-IR spectrum of CCP is similar to that of commercial fucoidan. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that CCP has anti-inflammatory activities and is a potential candidate for the formulation of a functional food ingredient or/and drug to treat inflammatory diseases.