Although the exact ways of actions are not fully understood, the possible modes of probiotics action include the following: enhancement of epithelial barrier function; increased adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells; competitive exclusion of pathogenic microorganisms, and; production of antimicrobial peptides.
by Gbadamosi, A.E., Ajayi, A.T. and Osekita, O.S.
Yams (Dioscorea spp), are one of the most important staple crops in West Africa. They belong to the family Dioscoreaceae, which produce economically important tubers and bulbils. There are many cultivars of yam, though only six are important as staple foods in the tropics.
by Victor Olugbenga Olumekun, Abiola Toyin Ajayi and Oluwasegun Victor Ibidapo
In recent times, wheat has gained more acceptance and utilisation over the traditional staples such as tubers and other cereals in Africa as a consequence of increased demand for dietary enhancement due to urbanisation and increased population in regions where staple was predominantly known to come from maize.
by Abiola Toyin Ajayi
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a crop of significant importance in Africa; it serves as a source of proteins in the tropical and subtropical countries, where Nigeria is ranked the highest in terms of production. It is a source of income for the people of Africa where it is widely cultivated for different purposes. Despite the good attributes of cowpea, one of the major constraints hampering its productivity in Nigeria is drought.
Lipases are a group of water-soluble enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis (and synthesis) of ester bonds in insoluble acylglycerols at lipid-water interfaces. Lipases hydrolyze triacylglycerides into diacylglycerides, monoacylglycerides, free fatty acids and glycerols. Lipase reaction occurs at the interface between the aqueous and the oil phases because of an opposite polarity between the enzyme (hydrophilic) and their substrates (lipophilic).
Microorganisms are preferred as enzyme sources because of their short life span, high productivity rate, cost-effectiveness, and are free of harmful chemicals that are found in enzymes from plant and animal sources
Gout is a multifactorial ailment with predisposing factors of high purine diet, usage of diuretics, kidney dysfunction and alcohol consumption. It is a chronic disease characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal in the joints and hyperuricemia,
Genetically modified crops (GMCs) are food crops whose genes have been altered in some ways in order to improve them. Alternatively called genetically modified foods (GMFs), these food plants have been tinkered with in ways which improve their yields,
Hypertension (HTN) is a persistently abnormal elevated blood pressure which in the long-term, results in end-organ damage and consequently, increases morbidity and mortality. Till date, the cause of hypertension is unknown, however, there are many possibilities and influences related to hypertension in patients.
Ataxia–telangiectasia (AT or A–T), also referred to as ataxia–telangiectasia syndrome or Louis–Bar syndrome is a rare, neurodegenerative, autosomal recessive disease causing severe disability. Ataxia refers to poor coordination and telangiectasia to small dilated blood vessels, both of which are hallmarks of the disease. A–T affects many parts of the body: It impairs certain areas of the brain including the cerebellum, causing difficulty with movement and coordination. It weakens the immune […]
Probiotics have been defined by a FAO/WHO Expert Consultation group in 2001 as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of 2-21 days duration that occurs in West Africa. The Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces
In June, 1895, The Strand Magazine, a periodical best known for its stories about a certain pipe-smoking Baker Street detective, published a tale about a London physician, Clifford Halifax, and his encounter with a promising young medical colleague named Arthur Feveral.
Systemic corticosteroids (CS) are known to potently dampen immune inflammation. Like in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, CS might serve as a “bridge” to specific efficient antiviral therapy for COVID-19.
by Tayo Fasuan
It may sadly also be the reasons why young medical doctors and nurses at the frontiers of our fight against the virus are getting severely affected as well.
by Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Member States, at all levels of government, should begin risk communication now with key opinion and faith leaders and the general public about the future possibility of community social distancing.
by Africa CDC
In Africa, the number of COVID-19 cases and impacted countries has been increasing steadily. As of 12 March 2020, 129 cases have been diagnosed in 12 countries, with one death recorded. The experience in countries outside Africa is that, after initial cases are diagnosed, community transmission occurs rapidly.
Recent puzzlement about why African countries are yet to experience the rampaging SARS-CoV 2, otherwise known as COVID-19, has necessitated a research into a theory that I’ve known for years – natural genetic resistance to diseases.