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This study investigated the probiotic potentials of seven lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains at different temperatures, pH, and bile salt concentrations. Their antimicrobial activity and antibiotic susceptibility were also determined. There were significant (P˂0.05) differences in the LAB growth at 45-650C with viable counts ranging from 4.28-8.34 Log10 Cfu/ml after 48 h. The LAB strains showed significant (P˂0.05) increase at pH 2, 2.5 and 3 after 3 and 6 h. L. parabuchneri LMG was viable at 45 and 65oC with 99.30 and 65.00% survival respectively. The LAB showed high resistance to 0.3% bile salt at 97.90%. L. plantarum CIP was viable with 95.40% survival at pH 3.0 after 3 h. All the LAB strains were susceptible to cefuroxime (20 µg/ml) and erythromycin (10 µg/ml) at 13.00-45.00 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI). They had strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313. Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM and L. brevis ATCC inhibited the five tested food borne pathogens with ZOI varying from 8.00-26.00 mm. The results from this study showed that the LAB strains isolated from fermented foods had probiotic potential and can be used for research and commercial purposes.

Potential probiotics were isolated, identified and characterised from ogi, fufu, nunu, palmwine and fermented tigernut milk. Pour plate method was used for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) media. Three (3) pure colonies were distinctly obtained from each of the fermented food sources with microbial mean counts ranging from 8.13 - 8.25 Log10 Cfu/ml. Isolated strains were identified and characterized using morphological, API-50 CHL (Bio-merieux, France) and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Ten (10) of the isolated microorganisms were identified as Lactobacilli, two (2) Micrococci and a Lactococcus. The Lactobacilli were catalase negative and oxidase negative rod-shaped bacteria. The identification accuracy of the isolates based on similarities from the computer-aided API and PCR GenBank databases ranged from 49.00 - 99.90% and 79.00 - 99.00% respectively. The amplification pattern of the 16S regions of the sequenced isolates showed DNA fragments with 500 - 1000 base pairs. The LAB strains identified are Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 15885, Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM, Lactobacillus plantarum CIP 10315.1, Lactobacillus plantarum NBRC 15891, Lactobacillus parabuchneri LMG 11457, Lactobacillus pentosus 124-3 and Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869. These strains had high correlation in both the API and PCR identification techniques that was used in this study. Potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria can be isolated and identified from ogi, fufu, nunu, paimwine and fermented tigernut milk.

Aims: Physicochemical and microbiological quality of fruits and vegetables from open market and shopping mall in Port Harcourt metropolis were determined to ascertain the effect of the sales environment. Methodology: pH and titratable acidity (TTA) of bananas (Musa sapientum), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) and cabbage (Brassica oleracae var. capitata L) were determined using standard analytical methods. Conventional microbiological method was used for the microbial analysis. Results: pH (4.30 - 6.00) and TTA (0.05 - 0.28% lactic acid) of samples from the two locations did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Aerobic colony count (ACC), Coliform, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, ranged from 4.49 – 5.96, 3.70 – 4.59, 3.69 - 4.39 and 3.68 – 4.17 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the shopping mall samples, and 6.14 - 6.19, 3.66 – 5.23, 4.60 – 5.66, and 3.69 – 5.15 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the open market samples. Salmonella was detected at a level of 3.74, 4.30 and 4.65 Log10 CFU/g respectively in banana from the shopping mall; and lettuce and cabbage from the open market. Mould growth for the open market samples ranged from 4.01 - 4.40 Log10 CFU/g. Shopping mall samples had no mould and yeast growth except for mould count of 4.29 Log10 CFU/g in banana and yeast count of 4.30 and 3.69 Log10 CFU/g in tomatoes and lettuce. Banana and lettuce from the open market had no yeast count, but tomatoes and cabbage had counts of 4.30 and 4.46 Log10 CFU/g respectively. Conclusion: Fruits and vegetables from the shopping mall generally had lower microbial count indicating the influence of the chilled storage environment. The detection of pathogens in the fruits and vegetables is unsatisfactory and can pose a health risk to consumers as well as the contamination of other produce.

The study evaluated the proximate composition and sensory properties of fruits (banana and tomatoes) and vegetables (Lettuce and cabbage) from an open market and a shopping mall to ascertain the effect of the two environments on the sample quality. Standard analytic procedures were used in sample analysis. Open market samples had moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate content of 76.56-92.96, 0.25-1.24, 0.03–0.91, 0.56–1.17, 2.20–3.34 and 1.17 – 14.13 % respectively, while values for shopping mall were 80.62-94.10, 0.16–0.29, 0.06–0.21, 0.40–0.86, 1.54–3.87 and 0.91–14.28 % respectively. The degree of likeness for the appearance, flavour (aroma/taste), texture (firmness/crunchiness) and overall acceptability of the samples from the open market ranged from 6.60 - 7.00, 4.90 - 6.35, 5.25 -5.95 and 5.80 - 6.10 respectively, and those of the shopping mall were 6.55–7.25, 4.70–6.65, 5.45–5.95 and 5.85–6.30 respectively. The environment had significant (P≤0.05) influence on the proximate composition and sensory properties of the fruits and the vegetables. Fruits and vegetables from the open market had significantly (P≤0.05) higher nutrient content. The environment of the shopping mall provided the low temperature which improved upon the moisture and sensory attributes of the samples as evidenced in higher degree of likeness of samples from the shopping mall. This revealed the importance of storage and sales of fruits and vegetables under chilled storage.

The proximate composition and microbiological quality of roasted plantain, its sauce, fish and side vegetable sold in River State University and its environment were investigated. The samples were purchased from four different locations namely staff club (SCL), shopping complex (SHC), back-gate (BGT) and maingate (MGT). Using standard methods, the samples were analyzed for proximate and microbiological quality. The values for moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, fat and carbohydrate were 53.30 - 57.22 %, 2.94 - 3.73 %, 9.26 - 10.13 %, 2.34 - 3.67 %, 11.62 - 13.41 %, and 15.42-20.07 % respectively. The energy varied from 206.76-229.93 kcal/100g. For all the samples from all locations, aerobic count varied from 5.31 - 7.98 Log10CFU/g for plantain and fish. Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus ranged from 4.06 - 7.42, 5.48 - 7.41 and 5.31 -7.90 Log10CFU/g respectively, while Coliform and fungi count varied respectively from 5.01 - 7.57 and 5.01 - 7.33 Log10CFU/g. The leave had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest microbial load. The microbial load exceeded the acceptable limits for ready to eat foods and can be attributed to poor hygiene practices. Some samples except the leave had no detectable levels of the pathogens and fungi. The presence of pathogens indicates potential hazard to the health of consumers, hence the need awareness on proper handling and hygiene practices among street food vendors.

Increasing awareness of deteriorating health of aquatic ecosystems, as a result of human activities, has led to the suggestion that fish host-parasite relationships are possible bioindicators of en...

The notions of what is male and what is female are cultural conceptions into which all human beings are placed. These conceptions form a sex-gender view in African culture. This study examines the concept of gender and sex in Akachi Ezeigbo���s trilogy using survey method. It was discovered among other things that Ezeigbo is using these literary texts as a medium to seek for the end of oppression of women in the world outside the texts. This work analyzed issues in Akachi Ezeigbo���s trilogy from a female point of view as Njoku (2004:277) asserts, ���Feminist criticism engages issues from the female point of view which reflects the changing nature of society and highlights the protest of a marginalized group (women)���. Akachi Ezeigbo's trilogy is therefore seen as a message of hope to all oppressed women in Africa; that women are already in the ascent and that total liberation is possible and at the threshold. The ���benign way��� to survive being the pathway of sound education and economic empowerment of women. These will help to facilitate the ���coming salvation.

The notions of what is male and what is female are cultural conceptions into which all human beings are placed. These conceptions form a sex-gender view in African culture. This study examines the concept of gender and sex in Akachi Ezeigbo’s trilogy using survey method. It was discovered among other things that Ezeigbo is using these literary texts as a medium to seek for the end of oppression of women in the world outside the texts. This work analyzed issues in Akachi Ezeigbo’s trilogy from a female point of view as Njoku (2004:277) asserts, “Feminist criticism engages issues from the female point of view which reflects the changing nature of society and highlights the protest of a marginalized group (women)”. Akachi Ezeigbo's trilogy is therefore seen as a message of hope to all oppressed women in Africa; that women are already in the ascent and that total liberation is possible and at the threshold. The “benign way” to survive being the pathway of sound education and economic empowerment of women. These will help to facilitate the “coming salvation.

Background: The primary purpose of screening is to detect individuals in danger of cervical cancer so as to prevent further progression of the disease. Cervical cancer remains a global concern, as it ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed female malignancy worldwide. It is the commonest female cancer in Zimbabwe. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a disproportionate risk of invasive cervical cancer, as they are 2–12 times more likely to develop pre-cancerous lesions. As a result of the increased risk, routine screenings are suggested. Few women are screened for cervical cancer in Zimbabwe. Objectives: This study aimed at describing the experiences of screening for cervical cancer and motivation behind screening. Method: The study employed a qualitative research approach. In-depth one to one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted using interview and focus group guides. The study was conducted at an opportunistic infections clinic in Mpilo Central Hospital. Data analysis was performed by using Giorgi’s descriptive method of data analysis. Results: The themes that emerged from data analysis were facilitators to screening for cervical cancer, community awareness of cervical cancer screening, free cervical cancer treatment and more screening centres and integrating cervical cancer screening with HIV care. Conclusion: In-depth understanding of the factors that enable women to take part in cervical cancer screening is essential so that these factors can be strengthened to improve uptake of cervical cancer screening services.

Histopathological changes of Cichlidogyrus philander Douëllou, 1993 on the gills of Pseudocrenilabrus philander (Weber, 1897) were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Observations revealed that C. philander attaches to its host by alternating the prohaptor (for temporary attachment or feeding) or haptor (using haptoral parts for firm and secured attachment). The sharp terminal ends of the anchors are inserted basally into the gill lamella, between two adjacent secondary gill lamellae and the marginal hooklets assist by superficially penetrating, holding and lifting epithelial tissue in the proximal region of the secondary gill lamella. The attachment of C. philander resulted in compression, rupturing of the interlamellar epithelium, change in the organization of epithelial cells in both primary and secondary gill lamella, displacement of the extracellular cartilaginous matrix, occasional rupturing of blood vessels and erythrocytes and some cells becoming ill-defined. At the site of attachment, the host response comprises of hyperplasia, increase in the number of mucous cells and infiltration with neutrophils. It was concluded that the effect of C. philander is mild in natural conditions.

Species of Penicillium (blue mould) and Monilinia (brown rot) are major causes of postharvest loss of stone fruit. Breeding for resistance to these pathogens is a sustainable option that could reduce over reliance on postharvest chemical interventions to control the diseases. This study was aimed at selecting peach cultivars that are resistant to blue mould and brown rot pathogens through in vivo assays against the causative agents. Red and yellow skinned peach cultivars were artificially infected with Monilinia laxa and Penicillium expansum whilst the same cultivars were also assessed as naturally infected fruit. Fruit were stored at 0 °C for 14 and 21 days, and thereafter kept at 15 °C for 3 days to simulate market shelf condition. Physicochemical traits, such as fruit pH, antioxidant activity, total anthocyanins, and total phenols were measured at harvest, and after 14 days and 21 days of storage. The blue mould pathogen was more virulent than the brown rot pathogen in the fruit. The red cultivars showed less brown rot incidence (20%–35%) compared to the yellow cultivars (35%–65%). Artificial infections stimulated a higher biochemical activity in the fruit compared to natural infections. In general peach cultivars with high contents of antioxidant compounds had lower pathogen incidence. ‘Temptation’, (a red cultivar) showed highest resistance compared to the other peach cultivars used in this experiment and this was correlated to the high phenylalanine lyase activity, phenolic compounds, and concentrations of chlorogenic, caffeic acid and anthocyanin exhibited by the cultivar. Breeders can use these tests as indicative for blue and brown mould resistance.

This study investigates the relationship between government recurrent expenditures and economic growth in Nigeria for 18 years: 1999-2016. In doing this, the paper disaggregated government current expenditures into five categories used as explanatory variables. The estimated result showed that influence of government expenditures on national assembly, pensions and gratuities had insignificant effect on economic growth. However, total government expenditures on administration and public debt servicing had a positive and significant effect on economic growth. Also the study revealed that total government expenditures on transfers had insignificant effect on economic growth. Study therefore recommends that annual government recurrent expenditures on administration and public debt servicing should be sustained as they led to economic growth, but that all leakages arising from such spending should be blocked in order to achieve an enhanced growth.

The pH and functional properties: water and oil absorption capacity, bulk density, solubility, swelling power and foaming capacity of tigernut and cowpea flour blends were determined. The flour blends were coded with the letters B, C, D, E, F, G and H for cowpea flour substitutions of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % respectively. For comparison sample A1, A2 and A3 representing 100 % of wheat, tigernut and cowpea respectively, were also evaluated. Standard methods were used for all the analysis. pH of the flour samples varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from 5.60-6.23 for sample B (5 % cowpea flour substitution) and A2 (100% tiger nut flour) respectively. Water and oil absorption capacity varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from 1.00-2.90 ml/g and 0.39-1.38 ml/g respectively. Sample A1 (100% wheat flour) and Sample B (5% Cowpea: 95% tigernut flour) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest in water absorption capacity while sample A1 (% wheat flour) had the highest oil absorption capacity. Bulk density varied from 0.58 - 0.84 g/cm3. Although Cowpea flour (sample A3) had the highest bulk density, there was significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease with increase in cowpea substitution. Swelling power and solubility ranged from 0.08-6.74 g/g and 8.00–67.35 % respectively. Sample A1 (% wheat flour) had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) the highest solubility and swelling power while Sample A3 (% cowpea flour) had the least. The functional properties of the tigernut-cowpea composite flour were comparable with that of the wheat flour, except for the swelling power that was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher for the wheat flour. The result showed that the composite tigernut-cowpea flour can be good alternative in the production of bakery products that would not require much swelling.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) significantly affect cattle production and the livelihoods of communities in pastoralist areas. Data on protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks infesting cattle in Uganda is scanty; while it is an indicator of the likelihood of disease transmission and occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst cattle in the Karamoja Region, northeastern Uganda, from July through September 2017, to determine the tick species diversity, identify protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in the ticks, and characterise pathogenic species by sequence and phylogenetic analyses. About 50 % of the ticks detected from each predilection site on each animal were collected from 100 purposively-selected cattle from 20 randomly-selected herds. Twelve tick species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified, the most abundant being Amblyomma lepidum (93.9 %), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (2.0 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (1.0 %). Tick species that have not been reported in recent studies amongst cattle in Uganda were found, namely Rhipicephalus pravus, Rhipicephalus praetextatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. The ticks were grouped into 40 pools, by species and location, and the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation assay was used to detect pathogens from the ticks. The most frequently detected tick-borne parasites were Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera and Theileria parva, each observed in 25 % (10/40) of the tick pools. Tick-borne pathogens, namely Babesia rossi, Babesia microti and Theileria sp. (sable) that are not common to, or not known to infect, cattle were identified from ticks. The gene encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium pCS20 region, the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene, and T. parva p67 sporozoite antigen gene were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Seven novel E. ruminantium pCS20 variants were identified, and these grouped into two separate clusters with sequences from other parts of Africa and Asia. The T. parva p67 sequences were of the allele type 1, and parasites possessing this allele type are commonly associated with East Coast fever in eastern Africa. Analysis of the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were closely related to Rickettsia africae and to a new Ehrlichia species variant recently found in China. Our R. africae 16S rRNA sequences grouped with R. africae isolates from Nigeria, Egypt and Benin. The information on tick species diversity and pathogens in the various tick species provides an indicator of potential transmission amongst cattle populations, and to humans, and can be useful to estimate disease risk and in control strategies.

The physico-chemical, proximate, vitamin C, sensory and microbiological quality of minimally processed watermelon from selected locations in Port Harcourt was evaluated. The locations were Rumuokoro junction, Rumuokuta junction, Nwinpi junction and Mile 3 Bus stop, samples prepared in the Food preparation laboratory served as control. Standard analytical and microbiological methods were used. pH and titratable acidity varied respectively from 4.95 - 5.60 and 0.14 - 0.20 %Citric acid. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate ranged from 94.54 – 96.14, 0.52 – 0.54, 0.54 – 0.56, 0.25 -0.39, 0.32 – 0.57 and 1.99 – 3.56% respectively, while the energy content was 15.00 – 20.91 Kcal/g. Ascorbic acid content ranged from 2.77 - 4.73 mg/100g. The microbiological evaluation revealed Total aerobic, Coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and fungi counts of 3.80 – 5.79, 3.74 – 5.83, 5.10 - 5.84, 4.26 – 5. 00 and 3.89 - 4.45 Log10Cfu/g respectively. The sensory attributes: colour, sweetness, texture, aroma, juiceness and overall acceptability of the samples ranged from 5.80 – 7.85, 5.70 – 7.95, 6.10 – 7.45, 5.40 – 7.10, 6.15 – 7.55 and 6.00 – 7.45 respectively. Degree of likeness of the minimally processed watermelon by the assessors was that of slight to like very much. The study revealed that though the minimally processed watermelon were nutritious and acceptable to the consumers, the microbial counts were unsatisfactory and can be a risk factor to public health.

This study investigated the ability of two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from akamu a Nigerian fermented maize food to tolerate acid and bile condition. Auto-aggregation and co-aggregation with pathogens: Escherichia coli NCTC 11560 and Salmonella Enteritidis NCTC 5188 were also investigated. This was aimed at establishing preliminary probiotic potentials of these none intestinal L. plantarum isolates. Viability at pH 2 was significantly (p≤0.05) reduced from ≥8.26±0.05 to ≤4.94±0.49 Log10 CFU/mL after 3 h. Subsequent incubation in 0.3% ox gall bile media after 6 h enhanced growth to 5.73±0.13 and 7.93±0.12 Log10 CFU/mL for NGL5 and NGL7. The L. plantarum strains auto-aggregated but had no co-aggregation with the pathogens. After 5 h auto-aggregation at 37°C (>25%) was significantly (p≤0.05) greater than auto-aggregation at 22 - 24°C (L. plantarum strains possessed abilities to survive passage through the GIT and auto-aggregated significantly at body temperature. This serves as a baseline data for further studies especially isolates that are not of intestinal origin.

Physico-chemical and sensory qualities of blends of milk drink from tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) and coconut (Cocos nucifera) were evaluated. Twelve blends (Sample A – K) were formulated using different ratios of tigernut to coconut milk as follows: 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, 10:90 and 0:100. The pH, total titratable acidity, specific gravity and viscosity ranged between 5.86-6.37, 0.10-0.15%, 0.99-1.08, and 0.25-0.69 centipoise (cP) respectively. Viscosity decreased with increase in coconut milk. The solid non-fat, protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate content decreased with increase in Coconut milk substitution and the values ranged from 8.45 - 13.70%, 2.39 - 3.93%, 0.46 – 0.87% and 4.10 - 8.65% respectively. The moisture content ranged between 83.80% for Sample A and 89.50% for Sample I. The fat (2.09 – 3.64%) and ash content (0.13 – 3.00%) varied significantly among blends. The colour, flavor, mouth feel, taste and overall acceptability had increase in likeness with increase in coconut milk. The result indicated that the tigernut-coconut drink is of good quality and the 10% Tignernut substitution based on the sensory properties was more acceptable. This forms a baseline data for further studies.

The study evaluated the nutrient compositions of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacaum, ex. Fr. Kummer) grown using different agricultural waste: sawdust, sugarcane (Sacharum officinarum) peels, plantain leaves and corn cobs. The proximate compositions of P. ostreatus fruit bodies varied significantly (P≤ 0.05). Matured fruit bodies of P. ostreatus harvested from sawdust and sugarcane peel substrates had significantly (P≤ 0.05) the highest content of moisture (15.20%) and ash (5.23%) respectively. The Corn cob substrates yielded P. ostreatus with significantly (P≤ 0.05) the highest amount of protein (9.38%) and lipids (8.5%); and lowest amount of carbohydrates (51.76%). Crude fibre was found more in the fruit bodies of P. ostreatus harvested from sugarcane peel substrates (8.23%) followed by corn cobs (7.28% ). The mineral content varied significantly (P≤ 0.05) from 0.43 - 0.90, 0.12 - 0.30, 9.20 - 14.6, 7.30 -13.0 and 1.5 - 2.7 mg/100g for iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium respectively. P. ostreatus from sugarcane peels had significantly (P≤ 0.05) the highest mineral content except for calcium. Vitamin C content ranged from 1.3 mg/100g for corn hob to 1.8mg/100g for sawdust. The study revealed that sugarcane peel and corn hob in terms of the proximate and mineral composition are better substrate for the growth of P. ostreatus. It is therefore recommended that these agricultural wastes should be used in the cultivation of P. ostreatus. Besides producing nutritious mushrooms, this will help to reduce the huge agricultural wastes within our environment that sometimes when not properly managed caused serious environmental pollution.

Akamu is a lactic acid bacteria fermented cereal-based food that complements infant diets in most African countries. The effect of fermentation with Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum starter culture and gamma-irradiation on the pasting and morphological properties of Akamu was investigated. The sensory property of porridges from the L. plantarum fermentation and artificially acidified maize slurries was also investigated. The irradiated ground maize (IGM) and its L. plantarum strain fermented samples had significantly (p had thick and solid linkages against the weak and viscous nature of irradiated samples. The sensory attributes (flavour, sourness, and overall acceptability) of the porridges from L. plantarum fermented sample was significantly (p>0.05) the most acceptable to the assessors. This study revealed that irradiation lowered the pasting properties of the maize slurries and caused changes in the morphological properties of both the uncooked slurries and their porridges. The sensory attributes of Porridge from the L. plantarum fermented maize slurry were most acceptable to the assessors.