Biosciences

Bacteriocin production and activities potentials of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from traditional fermented foods (“Ugba”, pap, fermented cassava and ‘Kunu zaki’) were studied. Serial dilution of each of the samples was performed and 0.1ml of appropriate dilution was streaked on De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar containing 50mg of nystatin for the isolation of LAB. Forty five LAB isolates were recovered from samples and were screened for bacteriocin production by the Agar Well Diffusion assay and two best bacteriocin producers characterized by molecular method as Lactobacillus tucceti CECT 5920 and Lactobacillus mindensis TMW were tested for their biotechnological potentials. Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325 and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 cultures were used as test pathogens. L. tucceti CECT 5920 and L. mindensis had the same level of bacteriocin production and antimicrobial activity (P<0.05). Temperature had more effect on bacteriocin activity on L. tucceti CECT 5920 against S. aureus NCTC 8325 and E. coli 0157:H7 while pH had same effects on both LAB isolates and pathogens. Both LAB isolates had highest effect from NaCl against E. coli 0157:H7 at 0.2% concentration. Crude bacteriocin samples treated with pepsin had no sensitivity against the test pathogens. Storage had decreasing effect on bacteriocin activity from both LAB isolates. L. tucceti CECT 5920 was sensitive to Cotrimoxazole while L mindensis TMW was resistant to all the antibiotics tested. L. tucceti CECT 5920 gave better results in all the biotechnological potentials tested, thus, the two LAB isolates may perform well in industrial processes. Key words: Activity, bacteriocin, fermented foods, lactic acid bacteria, pathogens.

This study was conducted to ascertain the level of pollution caused by industrial and domestic wastes in New Calabar Rivers and their effects on the benthic fauna of the river between July – September, 2010. Three stations were selected within the study area. Sediments samples were collected using hand trowel twice a month for the period of three months while water samples were aseptically taken from the three stations using sterile screw capped bottles. The result showed that 12 taxa of benthic invertebrates were identified from the New Calabar River. Gastropoda and crustacean were the most abundant classes. The class Gastropoda had the highest number of families (4) with 4 species while crustacean consisted of 3 families with 3 species. Oligochaeta had 2 families and was represented by 2 species other classes such as Hirudinea 2 families and 2 species and Insecta with a single family and 1 speciies. Class Gastopoda had the highest percentage species composition (30.8%). Insecta 23.1%, Oligochaeta, Crustacea and Hirudinea had 15.4%. Turbificid sp. and Libyodrilus sp. had 33.8% relative abundance, Gastropoda 27.0%, while Hirudinea, Insecta and Crustacea had least abundance of 4.1%. Physico-chemical parameters for the various stations were analyzed as: Biochemical Oxygen Demand ranged from 3.6mg/L – 15.5mg/L, COD (4.0mg/L – 19.3mg/L), Ammonia (0.01mg/L – 0.4mg/L), temperature (240C – 270C) and Dissolved Oxygen 8.0mg/L to 0.8mg/L. The deterioration of this water body has cause adverse effects on human and the ecosystem, therefore a constant supervision of companies operating within the area is required to ensure effective treatment of the effluents before discharge. Keyword: Effluents, Sediments, Species, Companies & Samples.

Different sizes and colours of fresh C. nitida nuts were collected from “Ogunmakin market” Ogun state, nutritive and anti- nutrient evaluation was investigated. There was a significant increase in all the mineral elements analyzed from the smallest (very young) nuts to the biggest (matured) nuts with the preponderance of potassium (K) which ranged from 9.72mg/100g dry matter to 12.60mg/100g dry matter, followed by phosphorus (p) with values 4.21mg/100mg dry matter to 6.43mg/100g dry matter and the least was obtained for zinc with values 1.87mg/100g dry matter to 3.14mg/100g dry matter. The result obtained for different colours shows that the red nuts had the highest value in potassium (11.96mg/100g dry matter), followed by pink nuts (11.82mg/100g dry matter) and the white nut the least (10.41mg/100g dry matter); followed by P with value 5.94mg/100g dry matter (red nuts), 5.58mg/100g dry matter (pink nuts) and 4.69mg/100g dry matter (white nuts). Similar result was obtained for proximate with increase values from the smallest (very young) nuts to the biggest (matured) nuts with the preponderance of moisture content which ranged from 83.26 for the smallest (very young) nuts to 91.54 for the biggest (matured) nuts, followed by carbohydrate with values 82.97 for the smallest (very young) nuts to 88.43 for the biggest (matured) nuts and the least was obtained for % crude fat with values 1.87 for the smallest (very young) nuts to 2.72 for the biggest (matured) nuts. White nuts had the highest value for moisture content (90.25), followed pink (89.84) and red the least (86.09). Oxalate had the highest value in all the parameters tested with 1.70mg/100g dry matter for the smallest (very young) nuts to 3.16mg/100g dry matter for the biggest (matured) nuts; followed by trypsin inhibitors with value 1.29mg/100g dry matter for the smallest (very young) nuts to 2.08mg/100g dry matter for the biggest (matured) nuts and least, phytate with value 1.28mg/100g dry matter to 2.07mg/100g dry matter. These results reveal that these seeds/nuts contain appreciable amounts of nutrients especially carbohydrates and proteins with good caloric value and low levels of toxicants and should be included in human diets to supplement our daily allowance needed by the body.

Fresh fermented seed of Recinus communis (Castor Oil Seed) was analyzed for its nutritive evaluation. Isolation and identification of micro-organisms associated with it was also analyzed. The fresh fermented seed contains the following: Fat 21.66+ 0.02%; Protein 3.957+0.032%; Ash 5.09+ 0.03%; Crude Fibre 2.66+1.15%; Moisture Content 32.85+0.537% and Carbohydrate 38.85%. The result indicated the percentage composition of the following elements: Ca 45.42+2.126%; Ca and Mg 18.4+1.876%, Na 34.26 + 0.146%; P 187.92+2.126% and K 249. 46+ 0. 83%. The micro-organisms isolated and identified to be associated with the fresh fermented seeds of Ricinus communis are: For bacteria isolates; Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophiticus, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plaintarum, Escherichia Coli, Streptococcus Spp and Protein mirabus. Fungi isolates are; Aspergillus niger and favus, Penicillin notatum, Batryodiplodia theombroma and Yeast. Three species of yeast identified are Saccharamyce; Pitia and Geotrichum. Fresh fermented seeds of Ricinus communis are very nutritious and medicinal. Key Words: Nutritive evaluation, fresh fermented seeds of Recinus communis, mineral elements, isolated and identification of micro-organisms.

This study was designed to examine the effects of different concentrations of endosulfan on accumulation of antioxidants and total phenolics, in an aquatic fern Azolla microphylla Methods: Azolla microphylla were collected from paddy fields, Department of Biological Sciences, SHIATS, Allahabad. Fronds were cleaned, washed and experiment was carried at an interval of 3 and 7days using 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 600 ppm concentrations of endosulfan. The total phenol content was estimated by Folin–Ciocalteu assay and its antioxidant activity was determined by free radical scavenging DPPH assay, Ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) assay and Guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD) assay. The highest total phenolic content (TPC), enzyme and antioxidant activity was observed at 200 ppm and 100 ppm after 3rd and 7th day of incubation respectively. After that there was there was gradual decrease in phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity showed increment at lower concentrations however a significant reduction in TPC and antioxidant activity was observed at higher concentrations suggesting a loss in antioxidant power of this potential eco-friendly fern.

Measurements of brain hemoglobin oxygen saturation have undergone continuous evolution. Traditional methods for its determination which includes jugular bulb oximetry requires the invasive procurement of blood samples. Besides inherent patient discomfort, inconvenience and processing time requirements of such procedures constitute the primary drawbacks of existing technology. This in turn inhibits continuous real-time monitoring. With the new non-invasive method, such limitations can not only be amended, but also opens new possibilities for patient care. Brain oximetry based on Near Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a continuous, non-invasive and real time monitoring of brain tissue oxygen saturation. The present work briefly describes the physics behind the brain oximetry and focuses on the designing of a reusable flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which acts as a forehead probe for brain oximeter.