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Subri River Forest Reserve (SR) is the most extensive forest area in Ghana with an accompanying rich floral species. Over the years, logging from both legally prescribed and illegal operations remain the predominant forest disturbance in SR. Gap creation following logging is crucial in determining tree species composition and diversity. Hence, the study evaluated the composition and diversity of naturally regenerated tree species in logging gaps of different sizes and, again examined the roles of these tree species in fulfilling the economic and ecological agenda of sustainable forest management after logging in SR. Twelve gaps were randomly selected: 4 each were grouped into small size (≤ 200 m2), medium size (201–300 m2), and large size (≥ 300 m2). Data were gathered from 1 m2 circular area at gap centres and repeatedly inside 1 m width strip along 20 m individual N-S-E-W transects. Species diversity differed significantly between gap sizes. Higher diversity indices were measured in large size gaps. Gap sizes shared similar species. There were significant differences among various height groupings of tree species across all three gap sizes. Pioneers preferred medium to large size gaps, while shade-tolerant tree species preferred small size gaps for their abundance. Vulnerable and Lower Risk Near Threatened tree species under Conservation Status and, Premium and Commercial tree species under Utilisation Status preferred small size gaps for their proliferation and conservation. Therefore, we recommend the single tree-based selective logging for ensuring creations of small to medium size (200–300 m2) gaps through adjustments to the logging permit process, revision of Allocation Quota Permit, strict adherence to the 40-year polycyclic selection system, along with more dedicated enforcement and monitoring. Changes along these protocols would tremendously facilitate natural regeneration of different suites of timber species resulting in the improvement of the overall biodiversity conservation associated with the forest, more sustainable forest harvests and more income to those who receive permits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sub-Saharan Africa, economic expansion and its environmental implications have become major problems. The banking system has been described as a mechanism for decoupling economic expansion from environmental implications. However, the function of bank financing in the growth-environmental consequences in SSA remains undeveloped. This study investigated the role of bank financing in economic growth and environmental outcomes in SSA over the period 1990–2018. We implemented the novel panel quantile regression and panel vector autoregressive models in a generalized method of moments' framework to investigate the influence of bank financing on economic growth and carbon emissions, and the moderating effect of bank financing in growth-environmental consequences among the four regional economies in SSA. The empirical results revealed that bank financing (1) increases economic growth and carbon emissions across quantiles; (2) positively influences economic growth and carbon emissions of East and Central African regions but negatively influences economic growth and carbon emissions of the West African region; (3) mitigates growth-emissions outcomes of low-emission countries but worsens growth-emissions outcomes of median and high emission countries; and (4) worsens growth-emissions outcomes of East and Central African regions but mitigates growth-emissions outcomes of Southern and West African sub-regions. The variance decomposition and impulse response results discovered that the role of bank financing in growth-environmental challenges varies in terms of magnitude and elasticities across the sub-regions over the sampled period. The study also revealed mixed findings regarding the existence of the EKC hypothesis for the sub-regional economies in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research has been carried out on the effects of gaps on natural regeneration in forests under different intensities of disturbance. This study evaluates the composition, diversity, regeneration density and abundance of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps in undisturbed, intermittently disturbed, and disturbed forest sites. Bia Tano Forest Reserve in Ghana was the study area and three gaps each were selected in the three forest site categories. Ten circular subsampling areas of 1 m2 were delineated at 2 m spacing along north, south, east, and west transects within individual gaps. Data on natural regeneration < 350 cm height were gathered. The results show that the intensity of disturbance was disproportional to gap size. Species diversity differed significantly between undisturbed and disturbed sites and, also between intermittently disturbed and disturbed sites for Simpson's (1-D), Equitability (J), and Berger–Parker (B–P) indices. However, there was no significant difference among forest sites for Shannon diversity (H) and Margalef richness (MI) indices. Tree species composition on the sites differed. Regeneration density on the disturbed site was significantly higher than on the two other sites. Greater abundance and density of shade-dependent species on all sites identified them as opportunistic replacements of gap-dependent pioneers. Pioneer species giving way to shade tolerant species is a natural process, thus make them worst variant in gap regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Report the statistical software that was used for data analysis.Round 195.8%4.58 ± 0.88--10bReport any modification of variables used in the analysis, along with reference (if available).Round 275%4.00 ± 1.1483.3%4.16±0.71-10cReport details about how missing data was handled. In the "Methods" section, our checklist provides a detailed explanation of initiating and developing the survey, including study design, data collection methods, sample size calculation, survey administration, study preparation, ethical considerations, and statistical analysis. Indeed, different studies have presented multiform patterns of survey designs and reported results in various non-systematic ways.[15]-[17] Evidence-based tools developed by experts could help streamline particular procedures that authors could follow to create reproducible and higher quality studies.[18]-[20] Research studies that have transparent and accurate reporting may be more reliable and could have a more significant impact on their potential audience.[19] However, that is often not the case when it comes to reporting research findings. Report target population, reported validity and reliability information, scoring/classification procedure, and reference links (if any).Round 278.2%4.00 ± 1.0472.7%4.055±0.96-5cProvide information on pretesting of the questionnaire, if performed (in the article or in an online supplement). [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To determine the population-based rate of emergency surgery performed in Ghana, categorized by hospital level. Methods: Data on operations performed from June 2014 to May 2015 were obtained from a nationally representative sample of hospitals and scaled up to nationwide estimates. Operations were categorized as to: "emergency" or "elective" and as to "essential" (most cost-effective, highest population impact) or "other" according to the World Bank's Disease Control Priorities project. Results: Of 232,776 (95% UI 178,004–287,549) total operations performed nationally, 48% were emergencies. 112,036 emergency operations (95% UI 92,105–131,967) were performed and the annual national rate was 416 per 100,000 population (95% UI 342–489). Most emergency operations (87%) were in the essential category. Of essential emergency procedures, 47% were obstetric and gynecologic, 22% were general surgery, and 31% were trauma. District (first-level) hospitals performed 54%, regional hospitals 10%, and tertiary hospitals 36% of all emergency operations. About half (54%) of district hospitals did not have a fully trained surgeon, however, these hospitals performed 36% of district hospital emergency operations and 20% of all emergency operations. Conclusions: Emergency operations make up nearly half of all operations performed in Ghana. Most are performed at district hospitals, many of which do not have fully trained surgeons. Obstetric procedures make up a large portion of emergency operations, indicating a need for improved provision of non-obstetric emergency surgical care. These data are useful for future benchmarking efforts to improve availability of emergency surgical care in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of copper, cadmium, and dieldrin in adult Gammarus locusta (a marine amphipod) is currently unclear. Thus, G. locusta from the North Lake of Tunis were subjected to acute toxicity tests to assess LC50s at 48–96 h and to biomarker response tests through the assessment of catalase and acetylcholinesterase activities and malondialdehyde levels. The present study demonstrated the abilities of a chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide (dieldrin) induce to oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. The comparison of metal toxicity showed that G. locusta was more sensitive to cadmium than copper. The three stressors caused significant inductions of all three biomarkers in a concentration-dependent manner. Catalase induction was dependent on exposure duration for all pollutants, while only copper led to increased malondialdehyde with longer exposure times. Catalase induction and malondialdehyde increase appeared to be sex dependent for all three pollutants. The neurotoxic effects of the pollutants were concentration dependent according to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. In conclusion, catalase, malondialdehyde, and acetylcholinesterase are efficient biomarkers of copper, cadmium, and dieldrin in G. locusta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have been performed on the effects of nanoparticles on aquatic life. However, most of them investigated marine organisms, not freshwater organisms. This study investigated biomarker responses after exposure for 48 h and 7 days to newly made gold and titanium dioxide (Au/TiO2) metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) (100 and 200 μg·L−1) using the freshwater bivalve mussel Unio ravoisieri. Biochemical analysis of the gills and digestive glands showed induction of oxidative stress following exposure of the bivalve to Au/TiO2 MNPs. After 2 or 7 days of exposure to Au/TiO2 MNPs, both utilized concentrations of Au/TiO2 MNPs induce an overproduction of H2O2. Catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities and the malonedialdehyde content significantly increased in the presence of Au/TiO2 MNPs, depending on the concentration and target organ. In contrast, acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly inhibited, indicating a discernible disturbance of the cholinergic system in the presence of Au/TiO2 MNPs. The behavior of the freshwater mussel was altered by reducing the clearance rate. Therefore, U. ravoisieri can be used as a model species in laboratory studies to mirror the presence of MNPs, and the biomarker approach is important for detecting the effects of Au/TiO2 MNPs. In addition, digestive gland is the target organ of Au/TiO2NPs contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To estimate the population-based annual rate of hernia surgery in Ghana, so as to better define the met and unmet need and to identify opportunities to decrease the unmet need.Methods: Data on operations performed from June 2014 to May 2015 were obtained from representative samples of 48 of 124 district (first-level) hospitals, 9 of 11 regional (referral) hospitals, and 3 of 5 tertiary hospitals, and scaled-up to nationwide estimates. Rates of hernia surgery were compared to previously published annual incidence of symptomatic hernia in Ghana (210/100,000 population) and to published annual rates of hernia surgery in high-income countries (120-275/100,000).Results: Estimated 17,418 [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 8154-26,683] hernia operations were performed nationally. The annual rate of hernia operations was 65 operations/100,000 population (95% UI 30.2-99.0). The rate was considerably less than the annual incidence of new symptomatic hernia or rates of hernia surgery in high-income countries. Hernia operations represented 7.5% of all operations. Most hernia operations (74%) were performed at district hospitals. Most district hospitals (54%) did not have fully trained surgeons, but nonetheless performed 38% of district-level hernia operations.Conclusions: The rate of hernia operations fell short of estimated need. Most hernia repairs were performed at district hospitals, many without fully trained surgeons. Future global surgery benchmarking needs to address both overall surgical rates as well as rates for specific highly important operations. Countries can strengthen their planning for surgical care by defining their total, met, and unmet need for hernia surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study as of 2007-2010 that involved retrospective analysis of all older children with intestinal obstruction at Kumasi, Ghana-based Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The study investigated the causes of intestinal obstruction and determine its morbidity and mortality in patients. the study revealed that intestinal obstruction must be diagnosed and treated early to avoid death among children in Kumasi region.

Considerable land cover changes have occurred in the Luvuvhu catchment in northeastern South Africa in the past two decades. These changes are associated with human population growth and may be contributing to observed reductions in winter river baseflows and increased episodes of river drying within Kruger National Park. Six-class land cover maps of the catchment were created from 1978 (MSS) and 2005 (TM) Landsat imagery using an iterative technique. Results indicate a 1,000 km2 (12%) increase in Bare Ground between 1978 and 2005, with a concomitant decrease in shrubland and indigenous forest cover. Overall classification accuracy in the 2005 image was 80%. Classification was most accurate for Water and Pine classes (100 and 92%) and least accurate for Indigenous Forest (46%), primarily due to misclassification as Shrubland. These maps are suitable for land cover change and landscape modeling analyses, and can serve as baseline data for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two pathogenic strains of E. carotovora subsp. carotovora 2T-2 and TT-4 with high bacteriocin activity but low sensitivity to the bacteriocins of other strains were treated with ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Two avirulent mutants A-f-39 and B-e-19 developed from 2T-2 and TT-4, respectively, by this treatment had the same bacteriocin activity as their respective parents and inhibited the in vitro growth of pathogenic strains of this species. The disease control of these two mutant strains were compared in the field in 1995 and 1997 to the control by CGE234M403 (M403) (a commercialized biocontrol agent), a mixture of A-f-39 and M403, and an agrochemical (basic dithianon-copper chloride). The protection obtained with A-f-39 was comparable to M403 and was better than that with the chemical. The mixture of A-f-39 and M403 consistently gave the best results in all the field trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Congenital transmesenteric hernias represent a very small group of internal hernias which are uncommon and are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Diagnosis is frequently made at surgery. Reports of congenital transmesenteric hernia in the English literature usually involve the pediatric population; adult cases are rarer. Case report: A 22-year-old man who presented with a day's history of severe abdominal pain but without classic physical examination signs of abdominal obstruction was operated upon on account of increasing abdominal pain and distention associated with shock. Laparotomy revealed a congenital transmesenteric defect through which loops of bowel had herniated and become gangrenous, resulting in resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Discussion: Congenital transmesenteric defects causing internal hernias in adults are rare. Preoperative diagnosis of the condition is difficult, in part, because there are no radiographic or laboratory findings to confirm the suspicion. Misdiagnosis resulting in delayed exploration may lead to small bowel necrosis and subsequent mortality. Conclusion: A congenital internal hernia should be considered in a patient with bowel obstruction without previous abdominal surgery, inflammatory abdominal condition, or trauma. We wish to emphasize that, rather than trying to establish a correct diagnosis, the patient's clinical features should lead to early surgery in order to reduce morbidity and possible mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematodes from the sediments of the Swartkops estuary in Port Elizabeth, South Africa were investigated at 10 selected sites along a salinity gradient in the subtidal region at neap tide. The relation between nematode density, genera, community structure and environmental parameters including concentrations of seven heavy metals, Mn, Ti, Cr, Pb, Fe, Sn and Zn in the sediment were investigated. The nematode community structure was significantly influenced by the chlorophyll a concentration and sediment particle-size distribution. The number of genera had significant negative correlation with chlorophyll a and two heavy metals, Fe and Zn in the sediment. The habitat preferences of the genera were also assessed. A combination of the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') and the Maturity Index (MI) proved to be very useful in assessing polluted or stressed sites. The nematode communities at sites which are affected by pollution, were found to be under stress according to the density, diversity and other indices used in this study. At sites where relatively higher heavy metal concentrations occurred, variation in the nematode densities and diversity were observed. Nematode community structure at polluted sites differed significantly (p < 0.05) from those at less or no polluted sites. Monhystera spp. and Theristus spp. were found to be colonizers, and thus indicator genera for polluted sediments in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]