University of Nigeria, Nsukka

About: University of Nigeria, Nsukka is a education organization based out in Nsukka, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 10211 authors who have published 13685 publications receiving 138922 citations.

Microbiological production of tocopherols: current state and prospects.

Abstract: Tocopherols are antioxidants that prevent various diseases caused by oxidative stress. Tocochromanols comprise four isoforms of tocopherols and four isoforms of tocotrienols but α-tocopherol is the most abundant and active isoform in human and animal tissues. Tocopherols are used as dietary supplements for human, as food preservatives, in manufacture of cosmetics, and for fortification of animal feed. Only photosynthetic cells are known to accumulate detectable concentrations of tocopherols. Tocopherols can be extracted and purified or concentrated from vegetable oils and other higher plant materials. However, the concentrations in these higher plant materials are very low and there are high proportions of the less-active homologues of tocopherols. Among the many strains of photosynthetic microorganisms known to accumulate tocopherols, Euglena gracilis is promising for commercial production of α-tocopherol. The growth rate and α-tocopherol contents are relatively high and α-tocopherol comprise more than 97% of all the tocopherols accumulated by Euglena gracilis. Although a lot of work has been done to increase the contents and composition of tocopherols in higher plants through genetic and metabolic engineering, work on genetic modification of microorganisms for increased tocopherol accumulation is scarce. Many cultivation systems have been investigated for efficient production of tocopherol by Euglena gracilis. However, those that involve heterotrophic metabolism are more promising. Bubble columns and flat-plate photobioreactors are more suitable for commercial production of tocopherols, than the tubular, internally illuminated, and open-air photobioreactors.

Weaning practices and weaning foods of the Hausas, Yorubas and Ibos of Nigeria

Abstract: The weaning practices and weaning foods of 120 Hausa, 116 Yoruba and 124 Ibo mothers were compared. Yoruba and Ibo mothers introduced solid foods to infants at significantly (P < 0.05) earlier ages than Hausa mothers. All groups used cereals, legumes, roots and tubers as weaning foods but the Hausas used more cereal products. The cereal paps offered to children by Hausa mothers had higher protein values than those given by Yoruba and Ibo mothers, probably because of better processing procedures. There was a negative but significant correlation (P<0.05) between income, educational status and age at introduction of solid food. Partial correlational analysis showed that education was probably the most important socio‐economic variable associated with age of introduction of solid food and also accounted for the significantly earlier introduction of solid food by the better educated Yoruba and Ibo mothers.

Blood transfusion and caesarean section in a developing country.

Abstract: Our objective was to review blood transfusion practices during caesarean section in a developing country. An audit of 463 consecutive caesarean sections and blood transfusions over a 3-year period (2000 - 2002) was undertaken. The data were collected from the records department in a pre-designed proforma and analysed, using EPI - info Statistical Software version 6. A total of 117 out of 463 (25.2%) caesarean section cases were transfused. The rate of blood transfusion for the various indications were as follows: malpresentation (excluding breech), four out of six (66.7%); placenta praevia, 28 out of 49 (59.1%); uterine rupture, five out of nine (55.6%); breech delivery, eight out of 25 (32%); obstructed labour, 35 out of 124 (28.2%); precious baby, one out of four (25%); previous caesarean section, 24 out of 141 (17.0%); severe pre-eclampsia, five out of 45 (11.1%); fetal distress, three out of 28 (10.7%); and others, three out of 29 (10.3%). A total of 78 (67.2%) of caesarean section cases were emergency. A blood transfusion rate of 25.2% during caesarean section is high. The indications for the caesarean section, preoperative anaemia and quantity of blood loss during caesarean section were significant risk factor for blood transfusion. Efforts should be made to reduce the blood transfusion without increasing maternal morbidity and mortality. This is very important because of rising HIV infection in developing country and blood-borne disease.

Cadmium and Lead Levels in Muscle and Edible Offal of Cow Reared in Nigeria

Abstract: The study assessed the concentration of cadmium and lead in the muscle, liver, kidney, intestine and tripe of cow in Nigeria Results show that the ranges of detectable values of cadmium in mg/kg were 001–080 in muscle, <0004–090 in liver, 010–112 in kidney, 001–090 in intestine and 001–110 in tripe while for lead, the ranges were <0005–072 in muscle, 008–50179 in liver, 004–4489 in kidney, 001–10802 in intestine and 001–12790 in tripe Cadmium was accumulated mostly in kidney while Pb accumulated more in liver and both were above international maximum permissible levels in most samples