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This study explores Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis bacteria isolated from<br><br><br><br> Shea butter leaves (Vitellaria paradoxa), which were investigated for their capacity to produce<br><br><br><br> lipase. These bacteria may prove to be useful sources of enzymes for the food industry and other<br><br><br><br> biotechnological domains. Because lipase may target certain areas of fat molecules, it is<br><br><br><br> frequently used to alter vegetable oils under mild circumstances. These changes make it easier to<br><br><br><br> produce structured fats, which are widely desired in a variety of dietary applications and<br><br><br><br> frequently have better nutritional qualities and stability. By producing unique short-chain and<br><br><br><br> medium-chain fatty acids, microbial lipase plays a critical role in food production by boosting<br><br><br><br> flavor, accelerating the ripening of cheese, and enriching the taste and texture of butter and<br><br><br><br> cream.<br><br><br><br> This study's primary goal was to separate and identify the lipase-producing bacteria from<br><br><br><br> Shea butter leaves and access their enzymatic potential utilizing molecular and biochemical<br><br><br><br> techniques. Rhodamine-olive oil agar plates were used for the initial screens. Lipase activity was<br><br><br><br> shown by the formation of orange fluorescent halos when exposed to UV light Following<br><br><br><br> molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the strains that tested positive were<br><br><br><br> identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. According to preliminary activity<br><br><br><br> testing, both strains were able to manufacture lipase in a laboratory setting, however, when<br><br><br><br> subjected to varying pH levels and temperatures, each strain unique patterns of enzyme activity.<br><br><br><br> These preliminary findings imply that both strains may be improved for specific industrial uses.<br><br><br><br> These lipase-producing bacteria have potential use beyond food processing; their<br><br><br><br> enzymes could help with environmental bio-remediation and bio-diesel production. To reduce<br><br><br><br> dependence on chemical processes, this study offers a sustainable approach to enzyme sources<br><br><br><br> 10<br><br><br><br> by using enzymes from local bacteria linked to plants. Furthermore, Shea butter leaves<br><br><br><br> (Vitellaria paradoxa ) serve as a new source of advantageous microorganisms, illustrating how<br><br><br><br> natural plant habitats can be enhanced for environmentally responsible and sustainable<br><br><br><br> biotechnological methods. This study emphasizes how important it is to look into local microbial<br><br><br><br> sources, opening the door for further research aimed at boosting microbial enzyme production

Nephrotoxicity has been documented by several studies as the most common and clinically serious adverse effect of cadmium chloride exposure. This study was undertaken to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Vitex simplicifolia extract on cadmium chloride induced kidney damage in albino rats. A total of 25 male Wister albino rats were used for the study, with group 1 taken as the baseline (no intoxication and treatment), groups 2-5 were intoxicated with 5 mg/kg b.w of CdCl2 via oral route. Thereafter, the rats were treated as follows, .group 2 was given only the vehicle, group 3 was treated with 200 mg/kg b.w of extract, group 4 was given 400 mg/kg b.w of extract while group 5 was administered a standard drug, ascorbic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.). The treatment and intoxication were done simultaneously for 21 days, after which the rats were fasted overnight before collecting blood samples used for determination of kidney markers. The result of urea concentration of the group 2 (untreated) was a significant (p < 0.05) higher when compared to group 1 (baseline). Interestingly, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease on urea concentration was recorded in groups 3 and 4 treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of the extract, respectively. Similar observation was made in groups 5 administered ascorbic acid as against group 2 (5 mg/kg b.w of CdCl2 only) Also, intoxication of CdCl2 provoked a significant (p < 0.05) increase on creatinine concentration in group 2 when compared to group 1. This abnormality was restored by treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of the extract and ascorbic acid However, there was a significant (p > 0.05) increase in pH and the concentrations of potassium, total biocarbonate, chlorine and albumin globulin ratio in the treated groups when compared to the untreated group. The marked increase in the concentration of sodium ion in group 2, was also restored in the extract treated groups, with groups 3 and 4 having sodium ion concentration of 5.64 ±0.65 and 5.90 ± 0.37 respectively against 5.90 ±0.37 recorded in the untreated group. The results of this study suggest that Vitex Simplicifolia can be used to serve as a nephroprotective plant.

This study evaluated the performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of dried potato peel meal. Growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were measured across treatment groups. Results showed that moderate inclusion of potato peel meal supported normal growth, while higher levels slightly reduced performance. The study concludes that dried potato peel meal can be used as a partial alternative energy source in broiler diets without adverse effects at lower inclusion levels.

A survey of fungi associated with the neck rot disease of onion bulbs was conducted in Biu, Biu local government area, Borno state. Samples of onion bulbs with neck rot disease were collected from two markets main market and kasuwan mata. The samples were kept in a polythene bag and taken to the biology laboratory, department of Biology, faculty of natural and applied sciences, Nigerian Army University Biu for further studies. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the fungi that are associated with neck rot disease of Allium cepa in some selected markets in Biu. Isolation were carried out by inoculating the different samples on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates for a week from which pure culture were obtained after subculturing the different fungal colonies. A total of four Fungi; aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus microspores and Rhizopus oryzae were isolated. The percentage frequency of fungi isolated from the two samples indicated that Aspergillus niger had the highest percentage of frequency than all the other species with a frequency of 41.67%, followed by Rhizopus microsporus with a frequency of 33.33% then Fusarium oxyporum with frequency 16.67%. Rhizopus oryzae had the least percentage frequency compare to other species with a frequency of 8.33%. further research should be done to investigate palnt extracts that can be used to control these fungi and also marketers and farmers should focus on improving storage conditions.

This study investigates the structural and elemental composition of starch extracted from white<br><br> corn seeds using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with<br><br> energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). XRD analysis was employed to determine<br><br> the crystalline structure of the starch granules, revealing a typical A-type pattern indicative of<br><br> cereal starches, characterized by strong diffraction peaks at angle 2θ of 15°, 17°, 18°, and<br><br> 23°.The crystallinity index was calculated, demonstrating the semi-crystalline nature of the<br><br> starch. SEM provided detailed morphological insights, showing smooth, polyhedral granules<br><br> with sizes ranging from 5 to 20 micrometers. The EDS analysis complemented these findings by<br><br> identifying the elemental composition, confirming the presence of essential elements such as<br><br> carbon, oxygen, and minor traces of phosphorus and potassium, which are intrinsic to starch<br><br> molecules. This comprehensive characterization enhances our understanding of white corn<br><br> starch's structural properties and its potential applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and bio-<br><br> degradable materials

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called "good bacteria," that help keep the gut healthy. They are commonly found in foods like yogurt, fermented products, and dietary supplements. Awareness about probiotics and their benefits is low among adult population in Nigeria. Many adults are unfamiliar with the concept of "good bacteria" and their role in gut health, limiting their willingness to include probiotics in their diet. This study investigated the impact of probiotic on Gut health of Adult Residents in Boluwaduro Local Government Area, Osun State. Specifically, the study examined (i) if improved digestive function (ii) strengthening of gut lining (iii) strengthened immune system and (iv) management of gastrointestinal disorder will be an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents in Boluwaduro Local Government Area, Osun State.<br><br> <br><br> A descriptive research of the survey type was adopted. The population of the study comprised of all residents of Irepodun Local Government, Kwara State. Two hundred and forty-four (244) respondents were sampled for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was validated by three experts and tested for reliability that yielded a correlation reliability coefficient of 0.85 r and consider that the instrument is reliable. Percentage and Chi-square statistics were employed for data analysis at 0.05 level of significance.<br><br> <br><br> The findings of the study were that; <br><br> 1. improved digestive function is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 137.639 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).<br><br> 2. strengthening of gut lining is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 192.770 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).<br><br> 3. strengthened immune system is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 279.607 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).<br><br> 4. management of gastrointestinal disorder is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 192.279 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).<br><br> The study concluded that improved digestive function, strengthening of gut lining, strengthened immune system and management of gastrointestinal disorder are impacts of probiotic on gut health of adult residents in Boluwaduro, Local Government Area Osun State. It was recommended that health practitioners and nutritionists in Boluwaduro Local Government Area should promote the regular consumption of probiotic-rich foods (such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables) and supplements among adults to enhance digestive efficiency and overall gut health. Public health campaigns should educate adult residents on the importance of maintaining a healthy gut barrier through consistent probiotic intake, while also encouraging diets rich in fiber and prebiotics to support probiotic function and gut lining integrity.

Five very important staple crops in the Southeast were cultivated in a farm to observe their growth indices and reappraise their nutritional and botanical attributes. Yam - the king of crops, a stem tuber carbohydrate staple; Maize, an all season staple cereal that can be preserved and processed in several ways; Okra, a fruit vegetable used for soups and herbal remedies ; Fluted Pumpkin (Ugu), a highly nutritious all season leafy vegetable used for soup, sauce, medicine, animal fodder et cetera; and Finally Egg plant an all season subshrub with leaves, fruits and stems all having economic relevance in cultural and religious ceremonies, as Food, snacks, soup, medicinal remedies, stews, salad, fuel wood, fodder et cetera. These plants were cultivated with the onset of the rains in March on land already cleared and prepared. Machetes, hoes, shovels, rakes were all put into good use and growth was monitored and recorded at intervals of two weeks. Mulching, use of organic manure and various forms of animal deterrents (bells, traps, scarecrows) were employed to keep pests at bay. Within a space of three month yam, maize, fluted pumpkin, okra and egg plant grew approximately in decreasing order at 1565cm, 735cm, 530cm, 505cm and 355cm respectively. The yield was not very outstanding: 15 small tubers of yam; a bowl of okra; 35 stands of pumpkin leaves; 35 heads of maize and 27 Fruits of egg plant - the density of the harvest was about 0.05kg/m³. To ensure maximal yield of quantitative crops (annual, biennial and perennial crops in these climes; Use of organic manure, manual clearing of site, biological control of pests, minimal tillage will all go a long way.

The Occurrence of Cholera and NonCholera Vibrio species in shrimps harvested from the Calabar brackish water was investigated in this study using standard microbiological techniques. A total of 25 Vibrio strains belonging to 5 genera namely V. parahaemolyticus (40%), V. vulnificus(20%), V. alginolyticus (15%), V. mimicus (15) and V. Cholerae (10%) were actually isolated, characterized and identified with V. Parahaemolyticus being the most dominant. The serological test results indicated that 10% of the isolates were Vibrio Cholerae (O1 Vibrio) species representing Cholera Vibrio, while 90% were NonCholera Vibrio species (non O1 Vibrio). The higher prevalence of NonCholera Vibrio species may reflect favorable growth conditions in the estuarine environment, such as temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability, which support the proliferation of these bacteria. Additionally, the occurrence of Cholera Vibrio species at a lower percentage may be influenced by its specific ecological niches and its reliance on certain environmental factors for survival and proliferation. It is worthy of notes that the coastal waters are over nourished and favours the growth of the Vibrio species that in turn colonize shrimps and other crustaceans. On the basis of our data, we can conclude that shrimps from the Calabar estuarine maintain a reservoir of Vibrio species in our environment, thus posing health risk to consumers of undercooked shrimps. These finding is of epidemiologic and clinical significance.