The incidence and distribution of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat vegetables in South-Western Nigeria.

The study investigated the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables: (Cucumber, Cucumis sativas; Cabbage, Brassica olerecea; Carrot, Daucus carota; Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum; Lettuce, Lactuca sativa) in six states in South-Western Nigeria. A total of 555 composite samples were collected from 30 traditional markets within the states and only 244 L. monocytogenes species were isolated by standard methods.

Effect of species, pretreatments, and drying methods on the functional and pasting properties of high-quality yam flour.

The study investigated the functional properties of HQYF (high-quality yam flour) from tubers of four dioscorea species. The tubers were processed into HQYF using two pretreatments (potassium metabisulphite: 0.28%, 15 min; blanching: 70°C, 15 min) and drying methods (cabinet: 60°C, 48 h; sun drying: 3 days).

Effect of water yam (Dioscoreaalata) flour fortified with distiller's spent grain on nutritional, chemical, and functional properties.

It was envisaged that the inclusion of treated distiller's spent grain (DSG) to yam flour might increase its nutritional value, with the aim of reducing nutritional diseases in communities consuming yam as a staple. Hence, yam flour was fortified with DSG at 5-35%. The effects of this fortification on the nutritional, chemical, and functional properties of yam flour were investigated.

Effect of chemical modifications on thermal, rheological and morphological properties of yellow sorghum starch.

Starch isolated from yellow sorghum grains was subjected to chemical modifications like acetylation, hydroxypropylation and benzylation. Proximate compositions of these, such as crude protein, crude fat, moisture content and ash content were determined. The effects of modifications on thermal, rheological and morphological properties of yellow sorghum starch were investigated.

Antimicrobials in animal production: usage and practices among livestock farmers in Oyo and Kaduna States of Nigeria.

Antimicrobials have proven to be important for sustainable livestock production by their use as growth promoters and in the control of animal infections. However, injudicious use of antimicrobials could accelerate the emergence and spread of resistant bacterial strains with attendant socioeconomic and public health issues. This work assessed antimicrobial usage in animal production with emphasis on usage and practices by livestock producers in Oyo and Kaduna States of Nigeria.

Effect of storage on the chemical composition, microbiological load, and sensory properties of cassava starch-based custard powder.

The effect of storage on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of cassava starch-based custard powder (CbCP) blends as mixture of yellow-fleshed cassava root starch (YfCRS) (90-98%) and whole egg powder (WEP) (2-10%) was investigated. These were prepared using central composite rotatable design, and separately packaged in polyvinyl chloride plastic can and stored in storage box (30 ± 2°C). The chemical and microbiological analyses of the stored CbCP were evaluated at 3 weeks intervals, while the sensory property was determined at 6 weeks interval for 24 weeks.

Effect of packaging materials on the chemical composition and microbiological quality of edible mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) grown on cassava peels.

Edible fungi such as mushrooms are highly perishable and deteriorate few days after harvest due to its high moisture content and inability to maintain their physiological status. In this study, the effect of packaging materials on the nutritional composition of mushroom cultivated from cassava peels was investigated. Mushroom samples were dried at 50°C in a cabinet dryer for 8 h.

Astrocyte morphology, heterogeneity, and density in the developing African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus).

Astrocyte morphologies and heterogeneity were described in male African giant rats (AGR; Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse) across three age groups (five neonates, five juveniles, and five adults) using Silver impregnation method and immunohistochemistry against glial fibrillary acidic protein. Immunopositive cell signaling, cell size and population were least in neonates, followed by adults and juveniles, respectively. In neonates, astrocyte processes were mostly detected within the glia limitans of the mid and hind brain; their cell bodies measuring 32 ± 4.

Effect of variety and processing method on functional properties of traditional sweet potato flour ("elubo") and sensory acceptability of cooked paste ("amala").

"Amala" is a generic term in Nigeria, used to describe a thick paste prepared by stirring flour ("elubo") from yam, cassava or unripe plantain, in hot water, to form a smooth consistency. In order to overcome its high perishability and increase the utilization of sweet potato roots, three varieties of sweet potato roots were processed into flour using two methods. The interactive effect of variety and the processing method had a significant effect (P < 0.

Changes in nutritional composition, functional, and sensory properties of yam flour as a result of presoaking.

This study investigated the effect of soaking pretreatments on some of the properties of flour obtained from two varieties of yam namely;Dioscorea alata andDioscorea rotundata with a view of providing information that will enhance their end use. The yam varieties were washed, chipped, parboiled at 50°C, soaked for different periods (0, 6, 12, and 18 h), dried at 60°C, and milled into flour. The flour samples were analyzed for their nutritional composition, pH, color, and functional properties.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in milk and milk products in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 is a major cause of food-borne illnesses in humans. This study investigated the presence of STEC O157 in milk and milk products in Ogun State, Nigeria. Of a total of 202 samples 10 (5%) were positive for STEC O157 including 1 (2%) of 50 raw milk samples, 3 (6%) of 50 samples of fresh local cheese, 1 (2%) of 50 samples of fried local cheese and 5 (9.

Public awareness and knowledge of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) control activities in Abuja, Nigeria.

The need to engage the public in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) control activities has become imperative in the context of morbidity reduction through preventive chemotherapy and community participation. Therefore, a survey was conducted among the general public to assess their knowledge and awareness of NTDs control activities in Nigeria. A simple questionnaire was administered to the general public attending a job fair in Abuja, Nigeria.

Effects of sodium benzoate on storage stability of previously improved beverage from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.).

The effect of sodium benzoate on the quality attributes of improved tamarind beverage during storage was investigated. Tamarind beverages were produced according to a previously reported improved method, with or without chemical preservatives (100 mg/100 mL sodium benzoate). Tamarind beverage produced according to traditional processing method served as the control.

Improvement in the traditional processing method and nutritional quality of traditional extruded cassava-based snack (modified Ajogun).

This study was carried out to investigate and improve the traditional processing method and nutritional quality of the traditional cassava snack (Ajogun). Cassava root (Manihot esculenta Crantz L.) of TME 419 variety was processed into mash (40% moisture content).

Assessment of aflatoxigenic and other fungi in millet and sesame from Plateau State, Nigeria.

Sixteen fonio millet and 17 sesame samples were analysed for incidence of moulds, especially aflatoxigenic species, in order to determine the safety of both crops to consumers, and to correlate aflatoxin levels in the crops with levels produced by toxigenic isolates on laboratory medium. Diverse moulds including and were isolated. was predominantly present in both crops (46-48%), and amongst the potentially aflatoxigenic species, recorded the highest incidence (68% in fonio millet; 86% in sesame kernels).

Evaluation of antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles green-synthesized using pineapple leaf (Ananas comosus).

Pineapple leaf was used in this study for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles based on the search for sustainable synthetic means. Indeed, this offered an economical and sustainable synthetic route relative to expensive and toxic chemical methods. The leaf extract was used and the corresponding nanoparticles obtained were subjected to UV-vis analysis at different times.

Chemical, mineral composition, and sensory acceptability of cocoyam-based recipes enriched with cowpea flour.

The study was conducted to improve cocoyam-based recipes (steamed cocoyam paste [], ikokore, and fried cocoyam balls []) using different blends of cocoyam and cowpea flours (100:0, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50). The proximate composition, mineral composition, and sensory qualities of the recipes were determined using standard analytical procedures. The recipes had significantly (<0.