The quest for high‐quality starch that would meet the needs of manufacturers is ever increasing. This study investigated the effect of steeping duration, drying temperature, and duration on the chemical properties of sorghum starch, to possibly alter the characteristics of sorghum starch for food applications. Steeping duration, drying temperature, and drying time of starch isolation were optimized using a central composite design and nine parameters including pH, amylose content, moisture, protein, ash, crude fiber, fat, carbohydrate, and total energy determined. Results obtained showed that most of the parameters were majorly influenced by steeping and drying duration. Steeping duration significantly (p < .05) increased the moisture, protein, and ash content of the sorghum with a corresponding decrease in pH values. The obtained experimental and predicted values of the investigated parameters were similar, with statistical indices indicating the relative validity of the generated models [absolute average deviation (AAD between 0 and 0.20), bias factor (B f, 1–1.02), and accuracy factor (A f, 1–1.21)]. The varying values of the parameters obtained indicates the potential use of the sorghum starches as thickeners, starch substitutes, and for other desired roles in food processing.

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Nigerians have a low renin activity compared to their Caucasian counterpart. PRA may be an important determinant of blood pressure among Nigerians. Appropriate drugs that target phenotypic status of PRA and aldosterone may be useful in the management of hypertension and the choice of pharmacotherapy among Nigerians.

Aim: To assess the prevalence and pattern of total protein, albumin and micronutrient status among school-age children. Study Design: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive design. Methodology: The study was carried out among four hundred pupils aged 6 to 12 years. A semi-structured questionnaire was adopted to obtain relevant data. Each recruited pupil was examined clinically for signs of nutritional deficiencies. Blood samples were collected and microelements levels were estimated using ELISA kits, while total protein and albumin were by spectrophotometry methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.           Results: The majority of the study population belongs to the high and middle socioeconomic class. The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies was 9.5% and 36.5% for Zinc and selenium respectively. While the prevalence of 27% and 15.1% were recorded for albumin and total protein respectively. There were positive correlations between micronutrient (Zn&Se) levels and sociodemographic data and anthropometric data. Conclusion: The early diagnosis of micronutrient deficiencies, prompt management of protein energy malnutrition and its complications can prevent the development of permanent physical and mental retardation.

Background: The breast is affected by several diseases, including developmental, inflammatory, and neoplastic. While benign breast neoplasms are usually more common, breast cancer is the most common nonskin cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women after lung cancer in the world. Objective: The review aimed to assess the histopathological diagnosis of breast lesions over a period of 9years Methods: This was a retrospective review of eight hundred and fourteen histopathologic cases of breast lesions accessed through laboratory records of all breast lesions cases seen. The demographic data were obtained and the patient’s histology slides were reviewed. The tumors were classified according to the WHO International Classification of breast tumors and Malignant breast tumors were graded according to the Nottingham grading system. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The majority of breast cancer cases were seen in patients below 40 years, malignant cases were predominant in older age groups (40 – 59 years; 57.4%, 60 years and above; 23.3%) and malignancy was significantly associated with age group, p-value < 0.05. The prevailing neoplasm was Benign type (68.3%) while malignant neoplasm accounted for 30.2% and invasive ductal carcinoma (89.1%) was most prevalent. Moreso, the majority were in grade 2; 152 (76.8%) using the Nottigham grading system. However, the commonest benign neoplasm was fibroadenoma (53.7%) followed by fibrocystic change (20.1%). Conclusion:  Breast lesions are common in this environment.  Benign breast neoplasms are more commoner than malignant diseases.  One in three of every sub-Saharan woman diagnosed with malignant breast lesion may not survive five years post-diagnosis. The prognosis of breast malignancies in sub-Saharan is poor due to late Presentation, ignorance, and poverty.