Production and Quality Assessment of Biscuit from Acha Flour Supplemented with Pigeon Pea

This research work evaluates the production of biscuits from blends of acha and pigeon pea flour. Acha and pigeon pea flour were blended in the ratio 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 100:0 (control) to produce biscuits. Biscuits made from this blend were analyzed for proximate analysis, antinutrient composition, physical attributes, and sensory qualities. The moisture, protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate content of the biscuits ranged from 7.87-9.84%, 7.36-8.14%, 21.99-26.33%, 0.39-0.59%, 0.87-1.24%, and 58.06-63.01%, respectively. The antinutrient composition varied from 4.24-6.82% for tannin and 3.85-4.68% for phytate. The physical attributes of the biscuits ranged from 8.34-10.98 g, 0.56-0.85 cm, 4.77-5.03, 5.99-8.59 for weight, thickness, diameter and spread ratio, respectively. The sensory evaluation showed that the biscuit sample with the blend ratio of 95% and 5% (acha to pigeon pea flour) was the most acceptable because it gave the best colour, appearance, crispness and overall acceptability. The result shows that acceptable biscuits with improved nutritional attributes can be produced from the blend of acha and pigeon pea flour. This will eliminate or reduce the problems associated with protein-energy malnutrition common in most local communities, and reduce wheat importation, thereby increasing the use of the most underutilized sources of flour in most developing countries.

Prevalence and Awareness about Chlamydial Infection in Women Undergoing Infertility Evaluation in Lagos; Nigeria

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and level of awareness of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection and possible correlative factors among women undergoing infertility evaluation. Methods: The study involved analysis of demographics and results of chlamydia screening in 77 infertile women undergoing evaluation over a six month period in Lagos; Nigeria. Results: The mean age was 32 + 6.4 yr (range 20-39 yr). Chlamydia screening was positive in 14 (18.2). Awareness about the existence; symptomatology; mode of infection and complications was poor. Statistically significant correlation existed between prevalence of chlamydia infection and age; previous history of sexual infection and minimum of one sexual partner in the last one year (p 0.05). The prevalence also increased in secondarily infertile and married women. Conclusion: Chlamydia prevalence was relatively high in women undergoing infertility evaluation in Lagos; with positive correlative factors being increasing age of women; previous sexual infection and one or more sexual partners