NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF AWARA MADE FROM FERMENTED BANJARA BEANS AND SOYBEAN

Awara, a Nigerian soft cheese analogue produced from soy milk using crude coagulant of citric acid and alum. Soybean and banjara bean were used in this study and were evaluated for their proximate composition, mineral element content, antinutritional factors, in vitro protein digestibility and vitamin content using standard procedures. Results obtained indicated that fermented banjara bean awara had a protein content of 2.15±0.01%, and fermented soybean awara had a protein content of 3.75±0.01%. Fermented banjara beans awara and soybean awara had a fat content of 5.16±0.01% and 17.13±0.01% respectively. There were significant differences in the mineral element content of both non fermented and fermented banjara bean and soybean awara. Level of antinutritional factors showed that both tannin and phytic acid were absent in fermented soybean awara. The in vitro protein digestibility of non-fermented and fermented banjara bean and soybean awara significantly increases with time. Vitamin A contents of fermented banjara and soybean awara increased when compared to non-fermented banjara and soybean awara, while a decrease was observed in non-fermented banjara and soybean awara as compared to fermented banjara bean and soybean awara. It can be concluded from this study that fermented soybean awara which is free of antinutritional factors is a more suitable source of protein and fat as a local cheese in this part of the world.

FORMULATION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF HIGH PROTEIN DIET PRODUCED FROM YELLOW MAIZE (Zea mays) SOYA BEAN (GLYCINE MAX), PUMPKIN (Cucurbita pepo) SEED AND FISH (Alestes nurse) MEAL

The aim of this study was to produce high protein diet for growing children from yellow maize, soya bean, pumpkin seed and fish meal. The raw materials were subjected to different processing techniques. The yellow maize (YM) was blended with different proportions of soya bean (SB), pumpkin seeds (PS) and fish meal (FM) with a view to formulating a high protein diet to address protein Energy Malnutrition. The formulated food Blends were; Blend 1 (70 % YM: 30 % SB), Blend 2 (70 % YM: 30 % PS), Blend 3 (70 % YM: 30 % FM), Blend 4 (70 % YM: 20 % SB :10 % PS), Blend 5 (70 % YM: 15 % SB: 15 % FM), Blend 6 (60 % YM: 20 % PS: 20 % FM), and a therapeutic milk (F-100) was used as a control diet. The raw materials and the food Blends were assayed for proximate, mineral, vitamin content and amino acid profile. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. The results of the proximate composition showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in moisture, protein, total fat and fibre contents of the fermented yellow maize, roasted soya bean and pumpkin seed while that of the dried fish showed significant (P<0.05) increase. The results shows that food Blend 6 had highest values for protein (17.77±0.09 %), total fat (6.00±0.27%) and total energy (388.10±0.29 Kcal/100g). A Significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in the mineral element content of yellow maize and fish meal after fermentation and drying respectively, while an increase was observed in roasted soya bean and pumpkin seed. The food Blend 5 recorded higher value for Na, and K, while the control diet had higher value for P, Zn, Fe and Cu. An increase in B-group vitamins, and vitamin C, were observed in the samples, while decreased in fat soluble vitamins A and E were observed in fermented yellow maize and dried fish, while decrease was observed in roasted soybean and pumpkin seed. The control diet had higher value for all the vitamins analyzed compared to the food Blends, except for vitamin A and E. The result of the amino acid profile showed that the levels of the essential amino acids were increased in the fermented yellow maize, and dried fish, while a reduction was observed in roasted soya bean and pumpkin seed. However, all the prepared food Blends were enhanced in terms of essential amino acid, but more enhanced in food Blend 6, followed very closely by food Blend 5. The amino acid profile of the control Blend was higher than those of the food Blends1, 2, 3 and 4. Thus, the high energy and protein contents of the formulated diets are adequate in the management of PEM.

ASSESSMENT OF EMERGENT AND FLOATING MACROPHYTES IN RELATION TO SOME PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF WAYA POND, BAUCHI, NIGERIA

Emergent and floating macrophytes in relation to some physicochemical parameters were assessed in Waya pond, Bauchi. Water and macrophytes were sampled monthly between October 2019 to March 2020. Ten physicochemical parameters were measured and twelve macrophytes species recorded. The diversity index was 1.38, evenness (0.55) and abundance were 12 species. The site was polluted as all the values of dissolved oxygen (DO) were ˂ 5 mg/L, nitrogen ˃ 18 mg/L and pH ˂ 7 except for December. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed that DO correlated with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (r = 0.936, p˂0.01), Phosphate (r = 0.927, p˂0.01) and Nitrate (r = -0.953, p˂0.01). TDS correlated with Phosphate (r = 0.969, p˂0.01) and Nitrate (r = - 0.938, p˂0.01). The significant correlation between physicochemical parameters and macrophytes were: Nymphaea nouchali with DO (r = - 0.849, p˂0.05), TS (r = 0.88, p˂0.05). Panicum repens was negatively correlated with TDS, DO, TS, Phosphate but not Nitrates. Eichhornia crassipes, Nymphaea micrantha and Nymphaea lotus at p˂0.05 were negatively associated with TDS, DO, and Phosphate but positively with Nitrate. Nuphar lutea, Nelumbo nucifera and Echinochloa colona related positively with Turbidity. Nuphar lutea positively related with Nitrate but negative with DO, and TS. Typha latifolia with TS (r = - 0.871, p˂0.05). Potamogeton natans with phosphate (r = 0.927, p˂0.01). The state of water pollution in the study-area corresponded with low diversity, evenness and abundance of species. This puts biodiversity and sustainability at risk.

A REVIEW OF BIOPESTICIDE PRODUCTS AS ECOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE AGAINST FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA) IN AFRICA

Spodoptera frugiperda, Fall Armyworm (FAW), poses an existential threat to farmers in Africa given their destructive effect on crops. This is essentially the case in south-eastern Nigeria where major crops such as cassava and maize are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of the pest. This paper reviewed published work on the availability of biopesticides that can control FAW without compromising environmental sustainability. Altogether, 50 active ingredients have been identified as potential biopesticides to control fall armyworm globally, out of which 29 were described in Africa. Although there are reports of remarkable successes in the application of these organic pesticides, there is a need to identify more biopesticides and also establishing the most effective modes of application for managing the pest. This review examines possible biopesticides that may be used in controlling FAW in Africa and also provides insight for further research.

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF SOLAR DISINFECTION OF SELECTED DRINKING WELL WATER IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Solar Disinfection (SODIS) has been identified as a relatively cheap method of purifying water against pathogens, therefore providing potable drinking water, an essential component upon which living systems and the human body depends. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of solar disinfection of drinking well water was studied. A total of thirty (30) wells was randomly sampled from six (6) local government areas in Benin City, based on accessibility and communal usage. The well water was sampled using transparent 1L polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Standard microbiological and biochemical test procedures were performed to enumerate, isolate, characterize and identify the isolates to genus level. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolate was also ascertained. Coliform test was conducted and counts expressed in Most Probable Number (MPN). The study revealed that Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., and Klebsiella sp. and, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Candida sp. were the most prevalent heterotrophic bacteria and fungi isolates in the study area in addition to fecal indicators (Escherichia coli and Fecal streptococci) with 83.33% occurrences respectively. The study also revealed that the overall percentage elimination of the identified isolates was recorded as 42.11%, while the percentage elimination of fecal indicators identified was 50%. It was observed that SODIS was very efficacious with a percentage reduction of above 95% for all identified isolates. It was also observed that SODIS is slightly more bactericidal as compared to its being fungicidal. From the study, it could not be ascertained with certainty whether or not, exposure to SODIS alters a microbial pathogens’ antibiotic susceptibility. The use of SODIS did not completely eliminate all the fecal coliforms found in the studied well water, therefore making it unfit for drinking with regards to WHO recommendation. Consequently, the study recommends the use of SODIS only in conjunction with other water purification methods to ensure potability.

PATTERN OF DENTAL OCCLUSION IN A POPULATION OF URHOBO SUBJECTS IN ABRAKA, NIGERIA

The closing order of superior and inferior teeth whilst chewing or at relaxation is termed dental occlusion. Literature exploration divulged want of information on dental occlusion among the Urhobos in Delta State, Nigeria. The endeavour of this work was to consider varied dental occlusion patterns and explore gender variation in dental occlusion patterns amongst the Urhobo tribal cluster in Abraka, Nigeria. Totality of 384 citizens (200 females and 184 males) who were within 15-30 years age set were engaged in this inquisition. The gender gap is a depiction of the male/female scattering in the appraised populace. Records on dental occlusion patterns were composed by having the subjects’ bite, gulp saliva, occlude and open their mouths. The connexion of the upper and lower teeth was labelled as mild overbite, edge to edge bite, negative bite or severe overbite as specified by Eveleth in 1972. Inferential statistics were explored using chi-square by means of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23 and significance level were determined by p < .05. The dental occlusion patterns observed were mild overbite 168 (43.4%), edge-edge bite 146 (38.2%), severe overbite 70 (18.4%) with no negative overbite 0 (0%). The gender dissimilarity in dental occlusion pattern was not notable (p>.05). Mild overbite is preponderant and severe overbite is infrequent amid the Urhobos in Abraka, Nigeria.

CLERODENDRUM VOLUBILE ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT: AN EFFECTIVE MITIGATOR AGAINST DOXORUBICIN-INDUCED HEPATORENAL TOXICITIES IN RATS

Diabetes mellitus develops either due to insufficient insulin secretion or lack of insulin resulting from damaged pancreas beta cells. Dyslipidaemia is an acute complication in diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the extenuating effects of T. cattapa leaves and P. americana seed aqueous extracts on streptozotocin-induced lipids profile perturbation and pancreatic damage in experimental rats. Thirty male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5). Group 1: (negative control), group 2: 80 mg/kgbwt streptozotocin (positive control), group 3: (80 mg/kgbwt streptozotocin + 200 mg/kgbwt T. catappa leave extract), group 4: (80 mg/kgbwt streptozotocin + 200 mg/kgbwt Persea americana seed extract), group 5: (80 mg/kgbwt streptozotocin + 200 mg/kgbwt extracts-mixture), group 6: (80 mg/kgbwt streptozotocin + 5 mg/kgbwt glibenclamide (standard drug). A single dose of streptozotocin was administered to the rats intraperitoneally; the extracts and glibenclamide were administered orally for 21 days, after which their pancreas was excised for histology. Thereafter, extracts of T. catappa leaves and P. americana seed on serum lipid levels imbalance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Histological studies showed a degenerative effect of the pancreatic islet cells of strotozotocin-induced groups. Results showed improvement in the regulation of lipid metabolism as well as the regeneration of the beta cells of pancreas on treatment with T. catappa leaves and P. americana seed. The extracts both equally exert significant antidyslipidemic effects in diabetic rats, in view of the extenuating effects of the extracts on pancreatic islet cells.

PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ASSOCIATED WITH WOUND INFECTIONS FROM DIABETIC OUT-PATIENTS AT PLATEAU SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, JOS, NIGERIA

This study was carried out to determine the frequency and antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial agents associated with diabetic patients attending out-patients Department in Plateau Specialist Hospital Jos. Wound swabs and pus were collected from the wounds of 251 out-patients’ department (OPD) over a 14 months’ period. Subjects were recruited upon approval by the Ethical Research Committee of the UCTH and after obtaining written or oral informed consent from the subject. Samples were cultured and microbial isolates identified using standard microbiology methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on the bacterial isolates. Six bacterial isolates were identified from wounds of diabetic patients viz: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The most frequently encountered bacterial pathogen of wound infection among subjects was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.67%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (23.33%) while the lowest was Klebsiella pneumonia (6.67%). The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the bacterial isolates to commonly used antibiotics ranged between 0.0% to 100%. The flouroquinolones were the most active antimicrobial agents observed among bacterial isolates from diabetic out-patients studied. S. aureus [7(100%) and 6(85.7%)] was the highest susceptible bacteria followed by P. aeruginosa [7(87.5%) and 5(62.5%)], E. coli 6(100%) against Ciprofloxacin (10%) and Augmentin (30%) respectively. Meanwhile, K. pneumonia and S. pneumonia were not susceptible each (0.0%) against Doxycycline and Chloramphenicol at 10% and 30% concentrations respectively. The study showed a high index of wound contamination with bacteria pathogens and resistance pattern to standard and commonly used antibacterial agents among diabetic out-patient from the study area. Pandukur, S. G. | Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos.

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND PH ON PHENOL BIODEGRADATION BY A NEWLY IDENTIFIED SERRATIA SP. AQ5-03

Phenol is mainly used by the industries to produce a variety of chemical products such as resins, textiles, pesticides, plastics and explosive. The wide use of phenol and other phenolic compounds by industries, has resulted in an increased presence of these toxic compounds in the environment as pollutants. Bio-removal of phenol by microorganisms especially bacteria has been demonstrated to be the most effective and economical approach compared to physio-chemical methods. The search for efficient phenol-degraders especially local sources to remediate local phenol pollution is important as indigenous bacteria usually have better survival and resilient to local geographical conditions. In this study, a phenol-degrading microorganism was isolated from local soil and waste water bodies. Identification was carried out using gram staining, 16s rRNA gene sequencing and molecular phylogeny analysis using the Phylip software. The isolates were inoculated in mineral salt media with 0.5 g/L phenol as the sole source of carbon. Phenol degradation was determined using 4-amino antipyrine method. Physical and cultural conditions influencing phenol degradation such as pH and temperature were optimized via one-factor-at-a-time. Through phylogeny analysis, the isolate was identified as Serratia sp. and the sequence was deposited the NCBI Genebank and accession number KT693287 was assigned to the bacteria. The highest degradation was achieved at pH 7.5 (phosphate buffer) and temperature of 30°C. Ammonium sulphate was established to be the best nitrogen source at the concentration of 0.4 g/L and a sodium chloride concentration of 0.15 g/L. Aisami, A. | Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

ASPECTS OF REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ABUNDANCE OF AFRICAN BONYTONGUE (HETEROTIS NILOTICUS) IN GREAT KWA RIVER, NIGERIA

This study was conducted to evaluate some aspects of the reproductive biology of the African Bonytongue Heterotis niloticus from the Great Kwa River, Cross River State Nigeria with the view to encourage conservation and rational measures for sustainable management of the species. A total of 62 matured H. niloticus were sampled and their gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), condition factor, fecundity and egg diameter (mm) were studied in other to determine the spawning season of the fish. Gonadosomatic index and hepatosomatic index showed an inverse relationship during spawning seasons. Total length (TL-cm) ranged between 47.1 cm – 76.2 cm and total weight (TW – g) ranged between 4300g - 1169g with sex ratio of 1:1.2 (male: female) revealing a dominant female population. Fecundity ranged from 511 oocytes (48.4cm TL; 1.69 kg wt, 5.9g gonad weight) to 7822 oocytes (69.3cm TL, 3.11kg wt. 14.9g gonad weight). The regression equation derived from the scattered diagram in the relationship between fecundity and total weight, total length gonadosomatic index and length-weight is; F= 6.6231TW0.837, R2= 0.2456; F= 5.1112TL1.6367, R2= 0.1606; F= 10680GSI0.9276, R2= 0.6567; TW= 0.4072TL2.0987, R2= 0.7533, the relationship were significant (p < 0.05). Fecundity and ovary weight relationship showed a positive correlation coefficient of 1. The highest egg diameter (0.92±0.01) was recorded in May and other months with corresponding high gonadosomatic index performance to confirm spawning period. In view to encourage conservation by investigating measures for sustainable management of the species, this study observed that H. niloticus spawns throughout the year. Ikot, N. U. | Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115 Calabar, Nigeria