African Journal of Virology Research

Key words: Honey, milk, antibiotics, combination.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 9 (1), pp. 001-010, January, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Traditional fermented protein condiments in Nigeria

O. K. Achi

Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, PMB 7267, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 16 September, 2014

Abstract

Traditional fermented condiments (dawadawa, iru, ogiri) based on vegetable proteins, and consumed by different ethnic groups in Nigeria have been the pride of culinary traditions for centuries. It is evident that these products have played a major role in the food habits of communities in the rural regions serving not only as a nutritious non- meat proteins substitute but also as condiments and flavouring agents in soups. These condiments are being increasingly marketed throughout the country and beyond in informal ways. Differences in the chemical composition of fermented condiments are evident mainly because different ingredients have been used in their preparation. Traditional methods of manufacture should take advantage of biotechnological progress to assure reasonable quality and at the same time assure safety of these products. The requirements for a sustainable biotechnological development of Nigerian condiments are discussed in the scope of the microbiology and biochemical changes of the raw materials. Schemes to standardize the manufacturing stages are proposed. Emphasis is placed on the relevance of the role of starter cultures in the traditional methods of manufacture to ascertain appropriate nutritional quality and physical properties of the final product. Fermented vegetable proteins have potential food uses as protein supplements and as functional ingredients in fabricated foods. Relevant research and development activities are suggested.

Key words: Traditional condiment fermentation, dawadawa, iru, ogiri, manufacturing process, starter cultures.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 9 (1), pp. 001-003, January, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Review

The relationship between drug abuse and microbial infections

INABO, H. I.

Department of Applied Science, C.S.T., Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 11 October, 2014

Abstract

Drugs of abuse such as cocaine, opiates, alcohol, and marijuana among others alter the neuropsychological, pathophysiological responses as well as the immune functions. Studies have shown that there are correlative observations between the use of these drugs and increased levels of microbial infections among drug users. These correlations appears to have effects on the immune system and are receptor mediated, directly or indirectly. The numerous drugs of abuse and the attendant infectious diseases are discussed.

Key words: Drug abuse, microbial infections, immune system.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 8 (6), pp. 001-007, June, 2014. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Responses of three tomato cultivars to sea water salinity 1. Effect of salinity on the seedling growth

Hajer, A. S., Malibari, A. A., Al-Zahrani, H. S.* and Almaghrabi, O.A.

Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Accepted 20 February, 2014

Abstract

The effect of sea water salinity (1500, 2500 and 3500 ppm) on the growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) cultivars (Trust, Grace and Plitz) was studied. The sea water salinity delayed seed germination and reduced germination percentage especially with increasing salinity level. Chlorophyll b content was higher than chlorophyll a, and both of them decreased with increasing salinity. The seedling height increased with time but decreased with increasing salinity in all cultivars. Seedlings fresh and dry shoot and root weights were decreased with increasing salinity. The growth of stem, leave and root after over 80 days of exposure to sea water salinity was affected by sea water dilution especially those of trust and grace cultivars. The grace cultivar was less affected by sea water salinity on the germination stage, while the plitz cultivar has good tolerant to sea water salinity for prolonged period.

Key words: Tomato cultivars, Lycopersicon esculentum, salinity, germination, chlorophyll and growth.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 8 (6), pp. 001-004, June, 2014. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Mitotic index studies on edible cocoyams (Xanthosoma and Colocasia spp.)

Ekanem, A.M. and Osuji, J.O.*

Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 March, 2014

Abstract

Mitotic index studies were carried out on three cultivars of Xanthosoma and four cultivars of Colocasia. Young healthy roots (about 15 mm) were collected at 2 hourly intervals from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Root tips were fixed in 1:3 ethanol : acetic acid for 24 h and stored in 70% ethanol prior to squashing in FLP orcein. Microscopic counts showed that the dynamics of mitosis varied slightly between the two groups of cultivars. The peak of metaphase remained between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm for most of cultivars but one (NCY 00Sa), which had its metaphase rising to a peak between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. This suggests that the best time to harvest root samples for optimum metaphase is immediately before 12:00 noon.

Key words: Chromosomes, cocoyam, mitotic division, metaphase, young healthy root tips.

African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 3421-7347 Vol. 8 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2014. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Solubilization of inorganic phosphates by fungi isolated from agriculture soil

N Pradhan*, and LB Sukla

Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.

Accepted 11 January, 2014

Abstract

Most agricultural soils contain large reserves of phosphorus (P), a considerable part of which accumulates as a consequence of regular applications of P fertilizers. However, a greater part of soil phosphorus, approximately 95–99% is present in the form of insoluble phosphates and hence cannot be utilized by the plants. In the present study fungal strains isolated from agriculture soil, having potential to solubilize insoluble inorganic phosphates were characterized. Two fungal isolates were tested for their tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization efficiency in both solid and liquid medium. Isolates were identified as Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. depending upon their colony morphology and microscopic studies. Phosphate solubilization was related to pH decrease caused by growth of fungus in medium containing glucose as carbon source. Aspergillus sp. solubilized 480 g/ml of phosphorus, while Penicillium sp. solubilized 275 g/ml of phosphorus from 0.5% tricalcium phosphate after 4 and 3 days of growth respectively. Both the strains show diverse levels of phosphate solubilization activity in liquid broth culture in presence of various carbon and nitrogen sources. Drop in pH during growth was more prominent in absence of TCP in the liquid medium. This indicates that absence of soluble P in media induces the acid production. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms convert insoluble phosphates into soluble forms generally through the process of acidification, chelation and exchange reactions. Thus such microorganisms may not only compensate for higher cost of manufacturing fertilizers in industry but also mobilizes the fertilizers added to soil.

Key words: Tricalcium phosphate, phosphate solubilization, Aspergillus, Penicillium.