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Pachyrhizus erosus tuber is rich in protein asides its agronomical value as a legume, but the seeds by which it is propagated have very low viability. This study established sterilization protocol and effect of various concentrations of auxins and cytokinins on callus production and shoot regeneration from explants of P. erosus. Explants and seeds were sterilized using sodiumhypochlorite (NaClO) solution (5, 10 and 15% v/v) for 5 and 10 mins. Nodal, stem and leaf explants from in vitro germinated P. erosus and tuber from field grown plant were sterilized and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (control) and MS combined with different concentrations of auxins (NAA and 2, 4-D) and cytokinin (BA and Kinetin) and the cultured explants were monitored in terms of degree of callus formation, morphology and colour of callus and also for shoot induction. The results showed that seeds of P. erosus sterilized with 10% NaClO solution for 10 mins and germinated in vitro is the best way of getting sterile nodal, stem and leaf explants for the in vitro propagation of the plant, while tuber explants could be sterilized with 15% NaClO for 10 minutes. Nodal explants inoculated in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BA gave the highest shoot regeneration response, while stem explants inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA also gave the highest amount of friable callus. The study concluded that in vitro germinated seeds were the best way of getting explant for P. erosus.

Terminalia ivorensis and Mansonnia altissima is an important tropical timber tree plant, but poor germination is an important factor militating its regeneration. Effects of pretreatments on germination of seeds of Terminalia ivorensis and Mansonia altissima were studied. Four hundered and eighty matured seeds of Terminalia ivorensis and three hundred and sixty seeds of Mansonia altissima were obtained from Forest Reserve Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan. The seeds were divided into twenty-one equal portions of 10 seeds each. Twelve pretreatments were investigated on Terminalia ivorensis and nine pretreatments on Mansonia altissima. The seeds were sown inside plastic basket containing sterilized river sand under high humidity propagator with four replicates each. Germination counts were taken daily for eighty days. Percentage germination was computed for each treatment and the data were subjected to analysis of variance. Germination was first observed among the scarified Terminalia ivorensis seeds at 14 days after sowing (DAS) and this treatment group had the highest percentage germination of 82.5%, while seeds soaked in hot water recorded the least germination. Germination was first observed in decoated Mansonia altissima and this treatment group had the highest percentage germination of 45%, whereas the least was observed among the treatments with H­2SO4. The effect of pretreatment was highly significant (p≤0.05) on the germination of both species. It is therefore recommended that mechanical scarification of Terminalia ivorensis and decoating seed of Mansonia altissima will enhance the germination of the two species.

Clerodendrum volubile is an underutilized leafy vegetable, also used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, swellings, and as painkiller. This study evaluated the phytochemical, proximate and elemental content of the leaf extracts of the species at its pre- and post-flowering growth stages. The mineral elements were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The phytochemical and proximate analyses were carried out using standard methods. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the Clerodendrum volubile leaves at both growth stages showed that it contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and saponins. The amount of phytochemicals, proximate and elemental composition were growth-stage dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the potential of Launea taraxacifolia for in vitro regeneration. Stem and leaf explants were inoculated on full strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with varying concentrations of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Leaf explants responded to all concentrations of 2,4-D used while stem explants responded to only two of the 2, 4-D concentrations suggesting that leaf explants might be a better source of explants. Leaf explants generated shoots on medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l kinetin and 0.1 mg/l 2, 4-D. This study is the first report on in vitro regeneration of Launea taraxacifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a chronic and often disfiguring condition that predominantly affects the rural poor and leads to social exclusion, stigma, and discrimination. Little is currently known about the emotional difficulties and stigma experiences among persons living with LF in Nigeria. Our study evaluated the emotional difficulties and stigma experienced by persons with LF in Plateau State, Nigeria. We utilized a combination of qualitative data instruments comprising focus group discussions, McGill's Illness Narrative Interviews, and key informant interviews. We transcribed and analyzed the data using a combination of inductive and deductive coding approaches. Sixty-nine respondents were interviewed: 37 females and 32 males. The prevalent community perception of LF was the belief that it was a spiritual problem. Emotional reactions included feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger, frustration, worry, and suicidal ideation. These experiences, including those of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, culminated in difficulties with occupational functioning, marital life, and community participation. Our findings highlight the value of a rights-based approach that emphasizes state and non-state actors' need to provide access to the highest attainable standard of health, including mental health, and to protect persons with LF from stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.