RISK OF INSUFFICIENT HYDROXYVITAMIN D LEVELS IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS IN RIVERS STATE NIGERIA.

Background: The global increase in diabetes, especially in developing nations, has escalated complications like diabetic foot ulcers. Hypovitaminosis D is considerably prevalent among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), especially among those with chronic vascular complications.

Objectives: To determine the association between vitamin D levels and foot ulcers among patients with T2DM.

Effect of replacement of maize with earth ball (Icacinia manni) meal on the performance of broiler chickens.

The aim of the study was to assess the replacement value of earth ball for maize in broiler diets. A feeding trial was conducted for eight weeks using 220 unsexed Anak 2000 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design to assess the effect of replacement of maize with Icacinia manni meal at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% on the performance. The diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, containing 24% crude protein and 3095 Kcal kg-' ME in the starter ration and 21% crude protein and 3204 Kcal kg-' ME in the finisher mash.

Protein quality of raw and autoclaved cowpeas: comparison between some insect resistant and susceptible varieties.

A comparative study was conducted with four improved cowpea (2 pod bug resistant and 2 susceptible) varieties to assess the effect of autoclaving at 105 degrees C under 15 psi for 30 min on their protein quality, as measured by the levels of some antinutritional factors and performance of rats fed the different cowpea diets. Also, the relationships between antinutrients in the cowpeas and protein quality indicators were examined. Results showed that autoclaving completely eliminated trypsin inhibitor, hemagglutinin and HCN, whereas it reduced significantly (p < 0.