This study was able to demonstrate that Jatropha species as well as R. communis growing in Mauritius possess antimicrobial, phytochemical and insecticidal properties.
HIGHLIGHTSTotal micro-phytoplankton count amounted to 6.59±1.27x10 5 cells L -1 which was dominated by diatoms (95.2%), followed by dinoflagellates (2.9%) and cyanobacteria (1.9%). The cyanobacterial mats were identified as Leptolyngbya sp. and Nodularia harveyana, and the endosymbiotic dinoflagellates as the Symbiodinium clade C. There were also differences recorded in the % lipid of the different microalgae (p<0.005) -among all, Symbiodinium clade C had the highest with (38.39±6.58%). The aim of this study was to assess the lipid content and the subsequent potential of different microalgae present in the Mauritian marine water to produce biodiesel. The share of micro-phytoplankton species in the water column was determined. The cyanobacterial mats and endosymbiotic dinoflagellates were characterised morphologically and genetically using RFLP. The samples were quantified gravimetrically and analysed using 1 H & 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Total micro-phytoplankton count amounted to 6.59±1.27x10 5 cells L -1 which was dominated by diatoms (95.2%), followed by dinoflagellates (2.9%) and cyanobacteria (1.9%). The cyanobacterial mats were identified as Leptolyngbya sp. and Nodularia harveyana, and the RFLP characterised the endosymbiotic dinoflagellates as the Symbiodinium clade C. The highest amount of lipid was recorded in the Symbiodinium clade C (38.39±6.58%).1 H and 13 C NMR analyses indicated the presence of acyl glycerols. An attempt to synthesise biodiesel by alkaline trans-esterification reaction was also performed and the presence of biodiesel was detected using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The Infrared analysis yielded peaks at around 1738cm -1 and 1200cm -1 characteristic of the carbonyl and ether groups respectively, indicating the presence of biodiesel.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fresh sugar cane juice. It was found that several isolates exhibited a clear zone and growth on deMan, Rogosa, Sharpe (MRS) agar supplemented with sodium azide, bromocresol purple and sucrose. However, only 17 isolates which formed large yellow areas were selected for further investigations. These isolates were further identified according to their morphological and biochemical characteristics. It was found that 10 of these isolates were homofermenters. One of these 10 isolates was selected for mutagenesis using chemical (Ethidium bromide) and physical (UV-B) mutagens followed by biochemical characterisation. A total of 112 mutants were isolated and 9 homofermentative isolates were further investigated for their ability to produce lactic acid. 1H-NMR spectroscopy confirmed that all mutant isolates produced lactic acid as the sole fermentation product
The purpose of the study was to explore the dietary intake, fruit, vegetable and energy intake and lifestyle behaviors among Mauritian children. A validated questionnaire was used, assessing dietary intake, mean energy intake, mean body mass index (BMI), lifestyle behaviors as well as nutritional knowledge (NK) among males and females. 336 children aged 6–12 years (165 males and 171 females) from 8 public primary schools were recruited. Statistical analyses revealed that children consumed less nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains and more of refined and calorie-laden foods, with no significant differences across genders. Mean energy intake of children was 1522 ± 282.4 kcal per day while mean BMI was 17.5 ± 4.03 kg/m2. Majority of children had a low-to-moderate physical activity level (PAL), with males being more active than females on average (P = 0.021). 88.7% of children watched TV for more than an hour daily, with 84.8% of them reporting to be eating during the process. Females were more likely to be breakfast skippers (P = 0.003). Maximum frequency of snacking was twice daily (72.7%) while consumption of fast food was once or twice weekly (44.0%). Results indicate the need for intervention with aim of improving the dietary and life quality of children in Mauritius.
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