Search

The emergence of multidrug resistance poses a huge risk to public health globally. Yet these recalcitrant pathogens continue to rise in incidence rate with resistance rates significantly outpacing the speed of antibiotic development. This therefore presents an aura of related health issues such as untreatable nosocomial infections arising from organ transplants, surgeries, as well as community acquired infections that are related to people with compromised immunity e.g., diabetic and HIV patients etc. There is a global effort to fight multidrug resistant pathogens spearheaded by the World Health Organization, thus calling for research into novel antimicrobials agents to fight multiple drug resistance. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that Cannabidiol (CBD) was an effective antimicrobial against Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). However, we observed resistance development over time. To understand the mechanisms S. Typhimurium uses to develop resistance to Cannabidiol (CBD), we studied the abundance of bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and membrane sterols of both susceptible and resistant S. Typhimurium. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (rt qPCR), we also analyzed the expression of selected genes known for aiding resistance development in S. Typhimurium. We discovered that there was a significantly higher expression of blaTEM, fimA, fimZ, and integrons in the CBD-resistant bacteria, and these were also accompanied by a shift in abundance in cell surface molecules such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sterols.

Introduction: Total Knee replacement (TKR) is performed to relieve pain and restore both the mechanical axis and joint line whenever indicated. Most of prostheses being used for TKR were manufactured using dimensions from Caucasians’ measurements. This study documented the dimensions of distal femora of Nigerians and correlated the dimensions with different TKR prostheses.Materials and methods: Fifty-six matured femora were measured. Dimensions of distal femora from other regions were retrieved from published articles. The dimensions of TKR prosthesis were extracted from product monographs. Analyses were done with Microsoft excel 2010 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States) and STATA version 13 (StataCorp, Texas. USA). Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05Results: The average Mediolateral dimension was 79.3 ± 4.4 mm. The anterioposterior dimensions of the medial and lateral condyles were 63.7 ± 3.6 mm and 64.9 ± 3.3 mm respectively. There were no significant differences between the left and right distal femur. The average aspect ratio calculated was1.23 ± 0.05. There was a mismatch of aspect ratio of the distal femora and those of the prostheses. Equations that can be useful both clinically and in forensic medicine were generated.Conclusion: This study has provided measurements that can be considered when the designing of a suitable femoral component of total knee prosthesis for Nigerians. This study also provided equations that can be used to estimate the dimensions of the medial and the lateral condyles and femoral length from parts of distal femur in forensic medicine.

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health issue defined by persistent intestinal epithelial inflammation resulting in bleeding, and it is one of the major risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC). Hemin is an activator of heme-oxygenase and has anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antiapoptotic properties by stimulating hemopexin and haptoglobin production. Hemopexin and haptoglobin are scavenging proteins with high affinity for hemin and hemoglobin, and are activated by interleukin (IL)-22. Purpose To evaluate the protective role of hemin through the stimulation of hemopexin and haptoglobin in experimental acute colitis. Method Mice were preconditioned with hemin by intraperitoneal injection with 5mg/kg body weight of hemin for three days while control mice were treated with PBS. Colitis was induced by giving 2.5-3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 12 days. The disease activity index (DAI) was determined by daily monitoring of body weight, fecal bleeding and stool consistency. At the end of the experiment, liver, feces, serum and colon samples were harvested for the evaluation of fecal levels of hemopexin, fecal haptoglobin, IL-22, IL-22BP, IL-6 and TNF-α. Fecal microbiota composition will be determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. Result(s) We found that hemin treatment resulted in the presence of hemopexin and haptoglobin in fecal samples, where they may exert a protective role and influence the growth of pathobionts able to acquire iron using heme and hemoglobin as sources. Conclusion(s) The findings from this study will contribute to the understanding of the possible protective role of hemopexin and haptoglobin in ulcerative colitis. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below CIHR Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Background The standard treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) consists of a surgical resection of the colonic segment with the tumor, followed by a reconnection of the remaining bowel ends, or "anastomosis". The anastomosis may fail to heal in up to 20% of patients, which leads to anastomotic leak, a major complication that increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. This complication is unpredictable and its causes remain poorly understood. Purpose The objective of this study is to investigate the possible role of the gut microbiome in anastomotic healing after surgery in patients with CRC. Method We collected preoperative fecal samples and intraoperative mucosal samples from CRC patients undergoing surgery with anastomosis. The gut microbiota of patients with AL and of others that presented optimal healing after surgery was analyzed and compared using the Anchor 16S pipeline. To assess the role of the patients' microbiota in healing, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed in mice using preoperative fecal samples from CRC patients with and without AL. Mice were then subjected to colonic surgery using a colonic anastomosis model. Six days after surgery, anastomotic healing was assessed macroscopically and microscopically. The gut barrier function was also assessed. The gut microbiota composition was compared between the groups colonized with samples from patients with and without AL to detect potential differences. Result(s) Mice colonized by FMT with the microbiota of donors with AL displayed poor anastomotic healing macroscopically, and a weaker wound microscopically. These same mice displayed a weaker gut barrier, as objectified by higher bacterial translocation to the spleen. The anastomoses of mice receiving the microbiota of AL donors displayed lower concentrations of collagen and fibronectin and higher inflammatory cytokines and collagenolytic enzymes, indicating poor extracellular matrix formation and collagen degradation locally.The beta-diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly different between mice receiving the microbiota of donors with and without AL, and several bacterial species were differentially abundant between the two groups. Conclusion(s) The preoperative gut microbiota in CRC patients who experience anastomotic leak after surgery induces poor anastomotic healing in mice and a weaker gut barrier after colonic surgery. Several bacterial species were found to be associated with the healing process. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below CIHR, Other Please indicate your source of funding; NSERC, FRQS, New Frontiers in Research, Montreal Cancer Institute. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

The gut microbiome is a collection of microorganisms and parasites that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. There are many factors that can affect the composition of this community, such as age, sex, medications, and environmental triggers. The relationship between the human host and the gut microbiota is very important for both the survival and development of the organism. The disruption of this relationship can lead to the development of various inflammatory diseases. CBD and THC are used to treat muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. It is now clear these compounds also benefit patients with neuroinflammation. A study that investigated the role of gut microbiota in treating the inflammation and paralysis in a mouse model demonstrated that treatment with CBD and THC produced significant decrease in the inflammation levels. They also exhibited a significant increase in the number of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The presence of certain cannabinoids can suppress neuroinflammation and prevent microbial dysbiosis. Several studies have revealed the role of the gut microbiota in the development and maintenance of skeletal integrity and bone mineral density. The gut is a major source of nutrients, including vitamins B and K. It can also influence the development and maintenance of bone matrix. The presence of the gut microbiota can influence the actions of certain T regulatory cells, which can lead to the development of bone formation and proliferation. In addition, its metabolites can prevent bone loss. The gut microbiota can help maintain the bone's equilibrium and prevent the development of metabolic diseases, such as osteoporosis. In this review, the dual functions gut microbiota plays in the regulation of gut-bone axis and gut-brain axis and the impact of CBD on these roles are discussed in detail.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a global public health crisis that threatens the effective control and prevention of infections. Due to the emergence of pandrug-resistant bacteria, most antibiotics have lost their efficacy. Meanwhile, the development of new antimicrobials has stagnated, which leads to the creation of new and unconventional treatments. Bacteriophages or their components are known to target bacterial cell walls, cell membranes, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and hydrolyze them. Bacteriophages being the natural predators of pathogenic bacteria, are inevitably categorized as 'human friends', thus fulfilling the adage that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'. Leveraging on their lethal capabilities against pathogenic bacteria, researchers are searching for more ways to overcome the current antibiotic resistance challenge. Bacteriophages are considered to be one of the most effective alternative therapies for multidrug resistant bacteria. In this study, we expressed and purified epsilon 34 phage tailspike protein (E34 TSP) from the E34 TSP gene which was previously cloned into a pET30a-LIC vector, then assessed the ability of this bacteriophage protein in the killing of two CBD-resistant strains of Salmonella spp. We observed that the combined treatment of CBD-resistant strains of Salmonella with CBD and E34 TSP showed poor killing ability whereas the monotreatment with E34 TSP showed considerably higher killing efficiency.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global growing public health epidemic with attending morbidity and huge financial cost. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a major complication of CKD, contributes to its excessive mortality rate. The aetio-pathogenesis of the excess burden of CVD in CKD is a feature yet to be unravelled. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) has been implicated as a risk factor for CVD among patients with CKD. However, most of these studies were predominantly among the Caucasian population.This study aims to determine the correlation between FGF-23 and CVD among Nigerians with CKD.A cross-sectional comparative study composed of three groups: participants with CKD, hypertensives without CKD, and healthy individuals, represented as group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Information obtained included demographic data and occurrence of risk factors for CVD. Cardiovascular risks were assessed by echocardiography and all the participants had kidney function tests done with plasma FGF-23.The study sample size consisted of 135 participants. The mean (SD) age for participants with CKD and controls were 50.2 (12.7), 54.3 (15.5), and 40.2 (14.1) years, respectively. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] of plasma FGF-23 for participants with CKD 210 (139-304) RU/ml, and controls 124 (86-170) RU/ml, and 71 (38 - 89) RU/ml P0.001. Most participants with CKD had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (80.0%), compared to the controls; 28.9% and 6.7% P0.001. Similarly, majority of participants with CKD had elevated plasma FGF-23 with LVH (85.7%) compared to controls 55.6% and 11.5%, whereas for aortic valve calcification with elevated plasma FGF-23 among CKD and controls were 53.6% (P = 0.29), 37.0% (P = 0.03), and 19.2% (P = 0.06), respectively.Individuals with CKD had frequencies of elevated plasma FGF-23, LVH, and cardiac valve calcification, which are surrogates of cardiovascular events.

The kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), is a major economic pest of soybean in the southeastern United States. With climate warming, this pest is expected to move northward and cause additional crop damage. Parasitoid biocontrol is a potential method of integrated pest management for kudzu bug. Two species of egg parasitoid wasps have been observed emerging from kudzu bug egg masses in the southeastern United States: Paratelenomus saccharalis (Dodd) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Ooencyrtus nezarae (Ishii) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). This paper used egg mass emergence data collected between 2018 and 2020 in Alabama soybean fields and compared the data to weather indices. Indices included the number of days with minimum temperatures below zero, accumulated rainfall (mm m−2), as well as species specific metrics of accumulated growing degree days, accumulated daily minimum temperature (°C), and accumulated daily maximum temperature (°C). Emergence of the generalist parasitoid, O. nezarae, was highly correlated with kudzu bug nymph abundance, accumulated degree day, accumulated daily temperatures, and precipitation. Ooencyrtus nezarae emergence was predicted in a stepwise regression equation by aggregated degree day and date of collection, which indicates that seasonality may be a predictor of its presence. In contrast, collections of the specialist parasitoid, P. saccharalis, were near-zero throughout the collection period, suggesting that this species may no longer be a usable biocontrol agent in the southeastern United States as a result of external limiting factors.

Management of wastes which is a part of the daily activities of man is an important aspect of environmental management. Over the years, there have been concerted efforts made towards adequately solving the problems created by improper waste management and disposal in Nigeria cities. This study, appraises environmental management in cities; a perspective from the Ondo state Waste Management Authority (OSWMA) Akure. The broad objectives of this study are to identify types of wastes managed by OSWMA, describe the attitude and role of residents (household) toward solid waste management, and examine the possible constraints faced by OSWMA, Akure in the discharge of their duties. Samples were drawn from the total number of OSWMA staff and clients served by the authority in the core, transition and peripheral districts of Akure. 53 questionnaires were administered to the staff representing 10% of the total number of staff while 324 questionnaires representing 1% of residents were administered, collated and analyzed using SPSS version 19. The results of the analysis, revealed that majority (81.1%) of the staff respondents opined that the type of waste managed by the Authority is solid waste; using the door to door method of solid waste collection as submitted by 54.5% of the staff. On the other hand, majority of the households’ respondents (81.4%) expressed willingness to pay for service rendered by the authority. Findings also revealed that poor funding was the main constraints faced by the authority. The study therefore recommends proper funding, provision of equipment and facilities needed for smooth running of the authority in order to ensure effective collection and management of waste in the study area.

One of the significance parts of ecosystem is the soil, and it is often modified due to man activities. The objective of this work examined the extent of occurrence of elements in the soil and also to identify the soil contamination level via enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor/pollution index. The enrichment value was computed using five elements (Ti, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr) and iron (Fe) as reference element. Scandium (Sc) was not found at hospital dumpsite while arsenic (As) was not found at marketplace. Fe, Ca and K had high concentrations in all locations, ranging from 2651 to 4630 ppm, 2204.67 ppm – 3968.67 ppm and 3649.00 – 4773.67 ppm, respectively. The pollution index value is shown in this order: Ni > Fe > Cu > Cr > Zn > Mn > As an enrichment value in this order: Ni > Se > Cu > V > Zn > Cr > Zr > As > Mn > K > Ca > Rb > Ti > Sr, when Fe was used as a reference element. The overall risk index (RI) in all the locations in the soil was above the edge.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. It has been suggested that poor anastomotic healing and leakage (AL) after surgery allows cancer cells to implant at the anastomotic site thereby increasing the risk of local cancer recurrence and metastatic spread in the peritoneum and to extraintestinal organs. We have previously showed that inulin, a well-known prebiotic, improves anastomotic healing and strengthens the gut barrier. Purpose The objective of the this study was to investigate the relationship between the promotion of postoperative intestinal healing using inulin and local and distant cancer recurrence. Method A 10-years' retrospective review of AL and non-AL cases after CRC surgery was performed in our institution. The effect of dietary supplementation with inulin on the occurrence of local anastomotic tumors was assessed in a mouse model inoculated with tumor cells directly in the gut lumen after colonic surgery. We also investigated in mice whether inulin may prevent metastatic spread and growth of tumor cells in the liver by transplanting CRC cells surgically into the spleen. Result(s) Patients experiencing AL displayed significantly lower overall survival and more cancer recurrence and progression compared to non-AL patients. Poor anastomotic healing in mice led to larger anastomotic tumors and peritoneal cancer dissemination. Inulin supplementation significantly inhibited local tumor implantation at the anastomotic site, and metastatic spread to the peritoneum and liver. Inulin increased the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids, reinforced the gut barrier function and alleviated systemic inflammation in mice. Conclusion(s) Anastomotic leak was associated with worse oncological outcomes in patients and mice. Inulin was shown to reinforce the gut barrier, decrease the implantation of cancer cells at the anastomosis, and to prevent tumor dissemination and progression of liver metastasis. This paves the way toward future clinical trials in which such supplementation may be used to promote better oncological outcomes. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below CIHR, Other Please indicate your source of funding; CRS, FRQS Disclosure of Interest None Declared

For the past decade, low altitude aerial surveys have been used for counting large mammals, especially wildlife, over extensive areas of land in East Africa. The facilities and methods suitable in East African conditions are not directly applicable to West Africa because of the dense savanna wood land vegetation, which limits the visibility of the animals, and the Harmattan dust, which makes accurate navigation difficult. The Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, has been engaged in a pioneering project of censusing large mammals from the air in Lake Kainji National Park. A high wing, single engine, four seater aircraft was used to overfly the 4,000 sq. km. reserve. The aircraft cruised at 159 kph at a height of 120 meters. Large mammals were counted and the vegetation types and range conditions were also recorded. This rapid and relatively low cost technique could suitably be applied to the study of free ranging cattle in the savanna areas of Nigeria. Such a survey would yield information on the total number of animals, their distribution patterns and their habitat utilization.

There is extensive contamination of the aquatic environment when rivers and streams flow through areas of high human activities such as industrial cities and major towns. These contaminations may include enhanced background levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials resulting from rapid urbanization and other human activities. The natural radionuclides (40K, 238U (226Ra) and 232Th (228Ra)) contents of farm-raised and wild catfish in five fish farms and three major rivers within Ibadan metropolis have been studied using gamma spectrometry. The results indicate that the average committed effective doses from the ingestion of the two sets of catfishes are 104 ± 37 and 104 ± 32 μSv/y for farm-raised and wild catfish, respectively. It can be concluded that the consumption of the catfishes poses no immediate radiological hazards to the population of the study area.

Eighteen West African Dwarf Goats (WAD) were used in 77-days experimental period to test the efficacy of high protein levels on growth performance and parasite loads of WAD goat. The goats were grouped into three treatments of six animals each per group using their FAMACHA scores (C3-E5) in a completely randomized design. Concentrate diets of varying levels of protein were fed at 7.5 % (low protein, LP), 10.5 % (medium protein, MP) and 14.5% (high protein, HP) inclusion level, respectively while Megathyrsus maximums and water was providedad libitum. Data were collect on FAMACHA score, weight changes. oocyst count and egg per gram of the faeces. The result of this study indicated that the supplemented protein decreased the FAMACHA score from the onset of the experiment to the end of the experiment. Animals fed high protein diet displayed highest growth performance, followed by animals fed with medium protein diet while animals fed with low protein diets had a slight increase in their growth performance. Goats fed high proteinous diet (HP) had a reduced oocyst and egg per gram of the faeces compared to their counterparts fed medium and low protein diets. It can be concluded that feeding WAD goats up to 14% crude protein inclusion is quite adequate to cover their protein requirements and increase their growth performance.Feeding high proteinous diets to goats is an economic and cost effective way of controlling gastrointestinal parasite. Keywords: Goats, growth performance, parasites and high protein

Introduction: Histological stains are biological dyes which colour tissue in order to aid optical differentiation of tissue component. Dyes are coloured substance which impact colour for material such as textile, cosmetic, food, drugs, rubber plastics, hair, fur and tissues. There are two types of dyes namely; natural dyes and synthetic dyes. Allium cepa is an imperative, evergreen plant, which belongs to the family Amaryllidaceace commonly called bulb onion. Aim: This research work aimed at evaluating the staining capability of onion extract as counter stain when haematoxylin was used as primary stain. Methods: Tissue blocks sections of liver and kidney organs were made from the Wistar rat. Serial sections labelled A to M were made from each block and stained with Harris haematoxylin. Section A was counterstained with eosin, as control. Different preparations of extracts of the onion skin were used to counter stain sections of kidney and liver tissues. Group B to Mwere kidney and liver tissues stained as follows: B, E, H and K (5% aqueous and ethanolic extract with ferric chloride, 5% aqueous and ethanolic extract with potassium aluminium alum, and 5% aqueous and ethanolic extract without mordant, for 10 and 20 minutes). C, D, F, G, I, J, L and M (5% aqueous and ethanolic extract with ferric chloride, 5% aqueous and ethanolic extract with potassium aluminium alum and 5% aqueous and ethanolic extract without mordant for 10 and 20 minutes). Results: The skin extract of Allium cepa stained the cytoplasm of cells and connective tissues in shades of reddish brown to yellowish brown. The study established the cytoplasmic counter-staining ability of the extract of Allium cepa. Conclusion: It is therefore suggested that onion skin extract solution can be substituted for eosin due to its domestic availability, ease of preparation and above all, its good cytoplasm contrast with the nuclear stain.

Introduction: Fungal infection is a common manifestation in this part of the country and worldwide. It is essential to define the epidemiology of fungal infection in a particular environment. Aim: This study aims to analyze the diagnosis of fungal infection carried out in patients attending the histopathology department (UDUTH) Sokoto from 2014 to 2018. Method: This study is a retrospective study of all fungal infection biopsies carried out from 2014 – 2019 in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria, a referral centre for the neighbouring northern states Kebbi and Zamfara. Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical committee of UDUTH, data was collected from histological report cards and analyze manually. Some tissue blocks of the case were retrieved to confirm the diagnosis. A total of 66 requests for fungal diagnosis were received from January 2014 to December 2018, which represent about 0.7% of the total biopsies received over the study period. Result: Out of the 66 of request for fungal diagnosis 32(48.5%) were fungal positive. Subcutaneous mycosis was the most frequent fungal infection with a frequency of 18(56.25%). Males were more frequently affected than females with the frequencies of 18(56.25%) and 14 (43.75%) respectively.

Pseudacteon curvatus and P. obtusus are two species of parasitic phorid flies (Diptera: Phoridae), introduced in the southern USA for biological control of Solenopsis fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The preference of both parasitoid species (P. curvatus and P. obtusus) for native Solenopsis fire ants (S. geminata complex) versus imported fire ants, S. saevissima complex (S. invicta and S. richteri) was investigated in four-choice olfactometer assays. We hypothesized that differences in the venom alkaloid profiles of fire ant species mediate host preference in phorid flies. In olfactometer bioassays, female P. obtusus showed preference for the venom alkaloid (cis + trans alkaloid mixture) of the imported S. invicta fire ant over the venom alkaloid of the native geminata fire ant. Similarly, P. obtusus showed preference for the venom alkaloid of the S. richteri fire ant over that of the native S. geminata ants. Pseudacteon curvatus also showed preference for the venom alkaloid of the S. invicta and S. richteri fire ants over that of the native geminata ants in separate bioassays. The results suggest that host preference in P. curvatus and P. obtusus is mediated, at least in part, by differences in the venom alkaloid profile of various fire ant species. This finding may explain why Pseudacteon species associated with either the S. geminata or S. saevissima complexes have not switched to the other group despite the overlap of native and imported fire ants in some areas of their distributions.

ROSCAs are informal financial institutions serving the financial needs of many people especially in developing countries. They provide an alternative through which entrepreneurs raise funds to support their business operations. Therefore, this study evaluated the relationship between ROSCAs participation and MSEs performance in Nigeria. A sample of 240 ROSCAs members was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were analysed using Frequency and Percentages, Regression analysis and Goodman and Kruskal‟s gamma statistics. Findings showed that significant and positive relationship exist between ROSCAs participation and MSEs performance (G = 0.768, p< .005). By establishing this connection, the analysis elucidates the prominent role of ROSCAs in enhancing MSEs performance. Additionally, this paper discusses factors influencing participation in ROSCAs and the implications on ROSCAs existence. Internal regulations of Formal Financial Institutions (FFIs) influence ROSCAs participation positively and significantly while income, level of education and attitude of ROSCAs members‟ impacts significantly but negatively on ROSCAs participation. This study examines rationale for joining ROSCAs and findings indicate that financial motives outweigh all other motives. Our analysis suggested that ROSCAs participation is beneficial because it serves as a mechanism for saving, provides capital with little or no interest, strengthens networks and helps to accumulate assets. Consequentially, it would be important for policy reforms to integrate ROSCAs to FFIs rather than seeking to eliminate them in order to pave way for appropriate linkages and integration of the two systems.

Simple Summary Cultivation of industrial hemp Cannabis sativa in the United States is now being expanded due to the recent legalization of the crop. Multiple insect pests attack the crop. One of the common pests is the corn earworm Helicoverpa zea that causes extensive damage to the marketable parts of hemp. Changing global climate may lead to expansion of the geographic range of insect pests. Thus, growers of this crop in the United States have to face new and intense pest problems now and in the years to come. Here, we assess the potential relationship between corn earworm infestation and hemp production in the US in the face of climate change. We also provide an update on the arthropods associated with hemp cultivation across the US. Climate change can affect aspects of interactions between hemp and corn earworm. Temperature and photoperiod affect the development and diapause process in H. zea. Drought leads to a reduction in hemp growth. Overall, our assessment suggests the selection of varieties resistant to stresses from climate and insects. Host plant diversity may prevent populations of corn earworm from reaching outbreak levels. Ongoing research on effective management of H. zea on hemp is critical. Abstract There has been a resurgence in the cultivation of industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., in the United States since its recent legalization. This may facilitate increased populations of arthropods associated with the plant. Hemp pests target highly marketable parts of the plant, such as flowers, stalks, and leaves, which ultimately results in a decline in the quality. Industrial hemp can be used for several purposes including production of fiber, grain, and cannabidiol. Thus, proper management of pests is essential to achieve a substantial yield of hemp in the face of climate change. In this review, we provide updates on various arthropods associated with industrial hemp in the United States and examine the potential impact of climate change on corn earworm (CEW) Helicoverpa zea Boddie, a major hemp pest. For example, temperature and photoperiod affect the development and diapause process in CEW. Additionally, drought can lead to a reduction in hemp growth. Host plant diversity of CEW may prevent populations of the pest from reaching outbreak levels. It is suggested that hemp varieties resistant to drought, high soil salinity, cold, heat, humidity, and common pests and diseases should be selected. Ongoing research on effective management of CEW in hemp is critical.

The design and performance of a new Compton-suppressed HPGe and charged-particle array, CLARION2-TRINITY, are described. The TRINITY charged-particle array is comprised of 64 Cerium-doped Gadolinium Aluminium Gallium Garnet (GAGG:Ce) crystals configured into five rings spanning 7-54 degrees, and two annular silicon detectors that can shadow or extend the angular coverage to backward angles with minimal $\gamma$-ray attenuation. GAGG:Ce is a non-hygroscopic, bright, and relatively fast scintillator with a light distribution well matched to SiPMs. Count rates up to 40 kHz per crystal are sustainable. Fundamental characteristics of GAGG:Ce are measured and presented, including light- and heavy-ion particle identification (PID) capability, pulse-height defects, radiation hardness, and emission spectra. The CLARION2 array consists of up to 16 Compton-suppressed HPGe Clover detectors ($\approx4\%$ efficiency at 1 MeV) configured into four rings (eight HPGe crystal rings) using a non-Archimedean geometry that suppresses back-to-back coincident 511-keV gamma rays. The entire array is instrumented with 100- and 500-MHz (14 bit) waveform digitizers which enable triggerless operation, pulse-shape discrimination, fast timing, and pileup correction. Finally, two examples of experimental data taken during the commissioning of the CLARION2-TRINITY system are given: a PID spectrum from $^{16}$O + $^{18}$O fusion-evaporation, and PID and Doppler-corrected $\gamma$-ray spectra from $^{48}$Ti + $^{12}$C Coulomb excitation., Comment: 14 pages, 21 figures

The chemical composition of Melanthera scandens (MS) methanol (MeOH) extract is yet to be fully comprehended. Chemical composition of a plant extract is closely related to the biological activity of the plant material, in phytomedicine. In this study, chemical analyses of MS extracts were carried out with the aim of identifying the organic chemical constituents.

This research estimated aboveground tree stand level Biomass in Erukot Forest of Oban Division, Cross River National Park. A total of 872 individual trees were identified and measured for diameter at breast height and total height (dbh ≥ 5cm). The 872 individual trees spread across 51 species belonging to 25 different tree families. Simple random sampling was used with sampling intensity of 0.3% to lay 15 nested plots (7m x 7m, 25m x 25m and 35m x 35m). Diameter at breast height, total height and specific density of each wood species were used to determine aboveground biomass for each tree. Conversion factors were applied to estimate stand level green and dry biomass, sequestered carbon and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission in the study area. Simple linear regression models were fitted into the stand level growth data for the forest (basal area and volume). The mean diameter at breast height and mean total height were 38.5cm and 18.5m respectively. Mean basal area of 39.8 m2 ha-1 was obtained with a mean volume of 177.3 m3 ha-1 . Average green biomass, dry biomass, carbon stock and carbon-dioxide emission of 521.8113 ton ha-1 , 341.5880 ton ha-1 , 183.196 ton ha-1 and 694.2067 ton ha-1 respectively were obtained in the study area. Stand level biomass model developed for the forest showed that common logarithm of volume per hectare is significantly related to common logarithm of stand biomass (R2 = 58%). The actual and predicted biomasses were not significantly different (Paired T-test at p ˂ 0.05). Estimated bias of 0.10% for the stand biomass model means that the developed model can be used to predict the aboveground biomass of the study area without any adjustment. The research has provided easy to use regression model for determining aboveground biomass at stand level. This is very useful for carbon trade and assessment of carbon-dioxide emissions through deforestation in the study area. The model is also a tool for assessing the wood productivity of the study area and for better management of the park. Keyword: Sequestered carbon, aboveground biomass, dry biomass, conversion factor

A total of fifty-five soil samples were collected from four locations, namely, residential, industrial, dumpsite, and sewage in Agbara industrial estate, Ogun state, Nigeria. The samples were analyzed using a high purity germanium detector (HPGe) to measure the activity concentration of radionuclides. Background radiation measurements were also taken at each point where soil samples were collected using Geiger Muller (GM) counter. The mean activity concentrations measured in the soil samples were 171.33 for

One of the significance parts of ecosystem is the soil, and it is often modified due to man activities. The objective of this work examined the extent of occurrence of elements in the soil and also to identify the soil contamination level via enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor/pollution index. The enrichment value was computed using five elements (Ti, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr) and iron (Fe) as reference element. Scandium (Sc) was not found at hospital dumpsite while arsenic (As) was not found at marketplace. Fe, Ca and K had high concentrations in all locations, ranging from 2651 to 4630 ppm, 2204.67 ppm - 3968.67 ppm and 3649.00 - 4773.67 ppm, respectively. The pollution index value is shown in this order: Ni Fe Cu Cr Zn Mn As an enrichment value in this order: Ni Se Cu V Zn Cr Zr As Mn K Ca Rb Ti Sr, when Fe was used as a reference element. The overall risk index (RI) in all the locations in the soil was above the edge.

Some fire ants of the genus Solenopsis have become invasive species in the southern United States displacing native species by competition. Although the displacement pattern seems clear, the mechanisms underlying competitive advantage remain unclear. The ability of ant workers to produce relatively larger amount of alarm pheromone may correspond to relative greater fitness among sympatric fire ant species. Here we report on quantitative intra-specific (i.e. inter-caste) and inter-specific differences of alarm pheromone component, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine (2E36DMP), for several fire ant species. The alarm pheromone component was extracted by soaking ants in hexane for 48 h and subsequently quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at single ion monitoring mode. Solenopsis invicta workers had more 2E36DMP than male or female alates by relative weight; individual workers, however, contained significantly less pyrazine. We thus believe that alarm pheromones may serve additional roles in alates. Workers of Solenopsis richteri, S. invicta, and hybrid (S. richteri × S. invicta) had significantly more 2E36DMP than a native fire ant species, Solenopsis geminata. The hybrid fire ant had significantly less 2E36DMP than the two parent species, S. richteri and S. invicta. It seems likely that higher alarm pheromone content may have favored invasion success of exotic fire ants over native species. We discuss the potential role of inter-specific variation in pyrazine content for the relationship between the observed shifts in the spatial distributions of the three exotic fire ant species in southern United States and the displacement of native fire ant species.

There has been a resurgence in the cultivation of industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., in the United States since its recent legalization. This may facilitate increased populations of arthropods associated with the plant. Hemp pests target highly marketable parts of the plant, such as flowers, stalks, and leaves, which ultimately results in a decline in the quality. Industrial hemp can be used for several purposes including production of fiber, grain, and cannabidiol. Thus, proper management of pests is essential to achieve a substantial yield of hemp in the face of climate change. In this review, we provide updates on various arthropods associated with industrial hemp in the United States and examine the potential impact of climate change on corn earworm (CEW) Helicoverpa zea Boddie, a major hemp pest. For example, temperature and photoperiod affect the development and diapause process in CEW. Additionally, drought can lead to a reduction in hemp growth. Host plant diversity of CEW may prevent populations of the pest from reaching outbreak levels. It is suggested that hemp varieties resistant to drought, high soil salinity, cold, heat, humidity, and common pests and diseases should be selected. Ongoing research on effective management of CEW in hemp is critical.

Geoelectrical resistivity sounding surveys was carried out at two locations (A and B) in the new CanaanCity residential estate of Canaan land Ota, Ogun state in order to locate possible targets for groundwater explorations. A total of twelve (12) vertical electrical soundings were conducted using the Schlumberger array configuration. The interpretations of the VES curves revealed five to six geoelectrical layers at location A which comprises VES1-7. The geoelectric units consist of the topsoil, sandy clay, lateritic clay, confining bed (clayey sand), and main aquifer (sand). The top of the aquifer in this part of the study area is between 40 m and 83.5 m. Likewise, a total of five to seven layers of geoelectrical units were delineated at the location B portion of the study site (VES 8–12) similar to location A with an addition of the shale unit that was interpreted to be that of the Akimbo Formation of the Dahomey Basin. The depth to the top of the productive aquifer within location B is in the range of 40–112.4 m. The delineated basal shale layer is impermeable, serving as the base seal rock for the confined aquifer system. The estimated porosity values range from 28% to 74%, indicating that the highly porous aquifer system in the area is the coastal plain sands mixed with the alluvium sand of the Benin Formation of Dahomey Basin. The study revealed the complexity of the productive aquifer system in the area and its undulating topography.

Stem bark of Alstonia boonie (1.24 kg) was exhaustively extracted with 95 % aqueous methanol. The crude extract was defatted with n-hexane and thereafter subjected to extensive chromatograp...

Sugar feeding is known to enhance lifespan in many parasitoid species. Several species of phorid flies in the genus Pseudacteon (Diptera: Phoridae) have been introduced in the Southern U.S.A. for the biological control of imported fire ants of Solenopsis species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Pseudacteon species are short-lived flies and little is known about their nutritional ecology. Results from previous studies in our laboratory show that one of the introduced species, Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier, is capable of feeding on sugar sources with a significant increase in lifespan. However, in Pseudacteon phorid flies, the degree to which sugar feeding can enhance the lifespan of other species is not clear, nor is it known whether there is a relationship between body size and longevity. In the present study, the effect of sugar feeding on the survival of three phorid fly species of different body sizes, Pseudacteon cultellatus Borgmeier, Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier and Pseudacteon obtusus Borgmeier, is investigated. For all three species, flies continuously provided with 40% or 20% sucrose solution live longer than individuals provided water only or 40% sucrose solution only on the first day of adult life. However, the degree to which sugar feeding enhanced longevity varies by species and is highest for P. obtusus. The data also indicate that longevity in Pseudacteon phorid flies is related to body size: the largest species (P. obtusus) lives significantly longer than the smaller species (P. cultellatus and P. curvatus). These results suggest that adults of all three Pseudacteon species are capable of feeding on sucrose solution and that sugar feeding can enhance their longevity. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the field performance of Pseudacteon phorid flies as biological control agents of imported fire ants.

Optimum wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield can be achieved by developing and growing the best genotypes in the most suited environments. However, exhaustive field measurements are required to characterize plants with desirable traits in breeding plots. Remote sensing tools have been shown to provide relatively accurate and simultaneous measurements of plant characteristics without destructive sampling, and at low cost. The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate spectral reflectance-based models for characterizing winter wheat genotypes in the semiarid U.S. Southern Great Plains (SGP). Field experiments were conducted at Bushland, TX, during the 2011–2012 growing season. The spectral behavior of 20 wheat genotypes with wide genetic background was analyzed in relation to leaf area index (LAI) and yield under irrigated and dryland conditions. Reflectance-based models were developed and evaluated using three approaches: the maximum correlations, the optimum multiple narrow band reflectance (...

Background: Hand hygiene is a simple and effective means of preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and the promotion of hand hygiene is an important public health measure. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice of and barriers to handwashing among secondary school students in Somolu Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional, conducted in selected secondary schools in Somolu LGA, Lagos State. Multistage sampling method was employed to select 420 respondents from the selected public secondary schools. Self-administered and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted with level of significance (P) at ≤0.05. Results: The mean ± standard deviation age of the respondents was 14.09 ± 2.06 years. Less than two-third (64.0%) of the respondents had good knowledge, almost all (99.5%) had positive attitude, while about 71% had good practice of handwashing. Forgetfulness (49.8%) and laziness (33.8%) were the major reasons for not practicing handwashing at home as opposed to unavailability of soap (50%) and lack of nearby water supply (46.2%) in schools. A statistically significant association was found between class of respondents, parent's level of education, and handwashing practices (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although majority of the respondents had positive attitude toward handwashing, knowledge and practice of handwashing, which is a key to infection control, was not at par with their attitudes. We recommend targeted health education sessions on handwashing and provision of handwashing facilities in secondary schools.

The explosion at BP's Texas city (March, 2005), macondo deepwater horizon blowout (April 2010), an Olefins Plant reboiler rupture and fire (June, 2013) and the explosion of a Refinery in Torrance (Feb, 2015) are all widely known major incidents that have resulted in major loss of lives, damage to the assets and the environment. These looses worth millions of dollars not counting the loss of lives shows that process safety barriers was compromised. How then can we be more certain that these incidents does not occur again in our plants? What indicators can we look out for? Are our risk assessment for process safety accidents properly assessed with adequate barriers defined to prevent the occureance of major incidents? This paper focuses on the technological risk assessment (scenario based assessment; a Total E&P major risk assessment methodology) carried out on OML 99 for the management of major risk activities. To study, manage operational activities, hazards to people, environment and assets were identified and assessed in a systematic methodology and associated risks evaluated. The objective of the process was to proffer risk reduction measures and ensure that sufficient barriers exist to prevent major risk scenarios. The outcome of the technological risk process was the major risk register containing the top ten scenarios (Major Risks) showing scenarios, barriers/controls in preventing and protecting the occurrence of these major accidents with an action plan containing a list of approved risk reduction measures at the end of the ALARP demonstration. As examples, the paper communicates the barrier management strategies between the major risk register, the site emergency response plan, safety critical barriers and management inorder for Field Operations management to ensure that the asset operational Chain of Command identifies and manages the major risks of their installations in order to prevent the occurrence of major incidents.

Two sibling species, Solenopsis richteri and S. invicta, were both introduced into the southern USA from South America in the early 20th century. Today, S. richteri occupies higher latitudes and colder areas, while S. invicta occupies lower latitudes. Between the distributions of the two species, there is a large area of viable hybrid (S. richteri × S. invicta) populations. This study aimed to characterize the forces driving this distribution pattern and the underlying mechanisms. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of freshly killed workers of S. invicta, hybrids, and S. richteri were removed using hexane. Both intact and CHCs-extracted workers were subjected to a constant rate of increasing temperature from 10 to 60 °C to obtain relative water loss and the water loss transition temperature (Tc-ant). Mass loss and Tc-ant were both significantly increased with CHCs removal. We then examined the CHC composition of three species. CHC profiles of S. richteri are characterized by significant amounts of short-chain (C23–C27) saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In contrast, profiles of S. invicta consist primarily of long-chain (C27–C29) saturated hydrocarbons; unsaturated alkenes are completely lacking. Hybrid fire ants show intermediate profiles of the two parent species. We measured the melting point (Tm) and water-loss transition temperature of CHC blends (Tc-CHC) of different ant species colonies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and an artificial membrane system, respectively. There were 3–5 Tms of each CHCs sample of different ant colonies due to their complex chemistry. The highest Tms (Tm-maxs) of CHCs samples from S. invicta and the hybrid were significantly higher than that from S. richteri. The correlation between Tc-CHC and Tm-max obtained from the same CHCs sample was highly significant. These results reveal that species having higher Tc and Tm-max retain more water under relatively higher temperature, and consequently are able to occupy warmer environments. We conclude that CHC chemistry plays a role in shaping current distribution patterns of S. richteri, S. invicta and their hybrid in the United States.

A two-year study was conducted on an Alfisol in the humid tropics of southwest Nigeria to investigate the effects of tillage and intercropping on soil water characteristics, performance of maize (Zea mays L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.). The experiment was a split-plot design with tillage methods as the main plot and intercropping as the sub-plots in a completely randomized design with four replications. Tillage treatments were conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) while the cropping treatments were sole maize, sole groundnut and intercropped maize + groundnut. Gravimetric soil water content (swgc) showed that NT had higher soil water content in all cropping treatments than CT. NT had significantly (p NT intercropping > CT intercropping > sole maize CT. For groundnut, the trend was NT sole groundnut > NT intercropped > CT sole groundnut > CT intercropped. Key words: Tillage, intercropping, soil water retention, infiltration.

This study examines whether the strategies of mentoring and feedback enhanced the cognitive task performance of students in a university faculty. The sex of the respondents was a significant control variable, suggesting that it is an important factor to be considered. The findings reveal that type of mentoring (formal and informal) as well as feedback (positive, negative, no-feedback) results in comparable levels of cognitive task performance. Also, the results reveal a significant interaction effect of mentoring and feedback on cognitive task performance, laying a foundation for the theory that feedback and mentoring interface. The practical implications of findings are discussed.

A coupling of double Laplace transform with Iterative method is used to solve linear and nonlinear wave equations subject to initial and boundary conditions. The iteration process leads to disappearance of noise terms and exact solution is obtained at first iteration. Through several examples, the convenience and efficiency of the method is demonstrated, showing its usefulness to overcome difficulties associated with some existing techniques.

Soil samples collected from five states in the southwestern part of Nigeria have been analyzed for activity concentration of gamma-ray emitters. The States were Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, and Osun. Activity concentration measurement was carried out using a co-axial type high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Spectral analyses were performed using spectrometry software. The activity concentration measured ranged from 0.03 +/- 0.2 Bq kg(-1) for 137Cs to 1,358.6 +/- 28.5 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. (40)K accounted for most of the activity. The calculated absorbed dose rates in air at 1.0 m above the ground ranged from 6 to 303 nGy h(-1) with a mean and standard deviation of 60.5 nGy h(-1) and 63.2 nGy h(-1), respectively. Estimated annual outdoor effective dose equivalent varied from 8 to 370 mSv y(-1). The calculated collective dose equivalent values for the five states ranged from 87,000 person-Sv to 600,000 person-Sv. The estimated annual outdoor effective values were considerably higher than the world soil average value of 70 microSv y(-1) reported by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.

Gamma spectrometry of well water was done to measure the activity concentrations of gamma-emitters 226 Ra and 228 Ra from 238 U and 232 Th series, respectively, and 40 K in their waters. Measurements were done using high-purity (HPGe) co-axial detectors (Canberra, GC 2018-7500 ) coupled to Canberra Multichannel Analyser system. Activity concentrations ranged from 0.57 to 26.86, 0.20 to 60.06 and 0.35 to 29.01 Bq l −1 for 226 Ra, 228 Ra and 40 K, respectively. Activity concentrations were compared with data from other parts of the world and used to estimate annual effective dose for three age groups. Total annual effective doses from the intake of these radionuclides in the waters ranged from 0.02 to 76.84, 0.02 to 38.80 and 0.05 to 481.60 mSv y −1 for age group

To compare the degree of hemolysis in a group of direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positive (pos) African-American (AA) infants as measured by carboxyhemoglobin corrected (COHbc) for carbon monoxide in ambient air to a similar group of DAT negative (neg) ABO incompatible infants and a group without blood group incompatibility. To determine if COHbc is a better predictor of significant hyperbilirubinemia than DAT status.A prospective study of 180 AA infants from the Well-Baby Nursery of an inner city community hospital, all of whose mothers were type O pos. Infants (60) were ABO incompatible DAT pos, 60 were ABO incompatible DAT neg and 60 were type O(+). Blood for COHbc was drawn at the time of the infants' initial bilirubin and the infants' precise percentile on the Bhutani nomogram was calculated.Mean COHbc of type O(+) infants was 0.76±0.21 and 0.78±0.24% for ABO incompatible DAT neg infants (P=0.63). Mean CoHbc for the ABO incompatible DAT pos infants was 1.03±0.41% (P0.0001 compared with both type O and DAT neg infants). Optimal cutoff on the receiver operating characteristic curve for COHbc to determine the risk for being in the Bhutani curve high risk zone was COHbc0.90% (area under the curve(AUC) 0.8113). This was similar to the AUC of the receiver operating characteristic curve using any titer strength of DAT pos as a cutoff (0.7960).Although not greatly superior to the titer strength of DAT pos, COHbc is useful in determining if the etiology of severe hyperbilirubinemia is a hemolytic process.

Crossed fused renal ectopia is a relatively rare condition which may remain undiagnosed for a long time. Renal function is usually preserved. It usually involves the left kidney. It is usually associated with mal-rotation, and may be a cause of urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis and renal calculi.We report a case of a 15-year old boy who was referred to our clinic with complaints of abdominal pain, and an ultrasound report of "absent right kidney".Urine examination indicated a partially treated infection, but the tests of kidney functions were normal. Intravenous urography confirmed crossed fused renal ectopia, and a flush aortogram showed two anomalous right renal arteries arising from the left side of aorta.An "absent" kidney in its normal location should prompt further investigations. Recurrent chronic lower abdominal pain and urinary tract infection in a young person may be due to congenital renal abnormality. Evaluation of persistent urinary abnormalities in a child should include screening for congenital abnormalities.

The natural radioactivity in some rock samples in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria, has been measured using a very sensitive gamma spectroscopic system consisting of a 76 mm x 76 mm NaI(TI) scintillation detector system coupled to a versatile Canberra Series 10 plus multichannel analyzer. The average concentrations of natural radioisotopes 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 57.9 +/- 28.1 Bq kg-1, 81.6 +/- 23.8 Bq kg(-1) and 1203.1 +/- 687.2 Bq kg(-1), respectively. These average values give rise to a mean absorbed dose rate of 0.128 +/- 0.051, microGy h(-1) at a height of 1.0 m and an effective dose equivalent of 156.90 microSv (y-1). The results indicate no radiological anomaly. The data presented here will serve as a baseline survey for primordial radionuclide concentrations in rocks of the area.

A detailed soil survey of about 100 ha of Savanna ecoclimatic region of Oyo North of Nigeria was carried out to characterize and classify the soils and to assess the potential of the area for agricultural suitability. During this study, five soil mapping units were identified and delineated. Selected physical and chemical characteristics were determined to support soil taxonomy, FAO–UNESCO legend, and land fertility capability classification. Five soil pedons were classified according to USDA soil taxonomy as Arenic Kandiudults, Arenic Kanhapludults, Typic Kandiudults, Arenic Kandiudalfs, and Gross Arenic Kandiudalfs and according to FAO–UNESCO system as Ferric Lixisols, Stagnic Lixisols, and Haplic Lixisols, respectively. The studied pedons are assessed for fertility capability classification (FCC), and their FCC (Buol classification) is recognized as sandy topsoil (S), low CEC (e), and K deficient (k) and presented as pedon 1 and 2 as Sek (>35% gravels), pedon 3 as Sek (2–4% slope and >35% gravels), pedon 4 as Sek (4–7% slope and >35% gravels), and pedon 5 as Lek (>7% slope and >35% gravels). Sand-sized particles dominate in the entire profiles. The exchangeable bases are generally low, and the exchange sites are dominated by calcium. Total N and organic matter contents are also low. The soils are marginally suitable for commonly grown crops such as cassava, maize, and oil palm. Limitations to agricultural production include soil fertility (CEC), organic matter, poor texture, and climate (rainfall and length of dry season).