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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 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

Products derived from Cannabis sativa L. have gained increased interest and popularity. As these products become common amongst the public, the health and potential therapeutic values associated with hemp have become a premier focus of research. While the psychoactive and medicinal properties of Cannabis products have been extensively highlighted in the literature, the antibacterial properties of cannabidiol (CBD) have not been explored in depth. This research serves to examine the antibacterial potential of CBD against Salmonella newington and S. typhimurium. In this study, we observed bacterial response to CBD exposure through biological assays, bacterial kinetics, and fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, comparative studies between CBD and ampicillin were conducted against S. typhimurium and S. newington to determine comparative efficacy. Furthermore, we observed potential resistance development of our Salmonella spp. against CBD treatment.

Depression and psychological functioning in persons living with diabetes is of great concern more especially because of the increased report on diabetes health complications which has rippling effect on survival among this population. Indeed, literature attest to socio-demographic factors as been relevant to report of psychological functioning and depression. However, little is known about the vital role of personal factors such as gender and life orientation dimensions impact on depression and psychological functioning among persons living with diabetes. Consequently, the current study explored the influence of gender and life orientation on depression and psychological functioning in persons living with diabetes. Participants were 125 [34.4% males and 65.6% females] persons living with diabetes who were purposively sampled from a teaching hospital, in Ibadan. The age of respondents ranged between 30 and 90 years, with a mean age of 62.71 and standard deviation of 9.64. The study utilized the cross-sectional survey design and gathered data through psychometrically sound scales. Results revealed that life orientation dimensions (optimism and pessimism) were significant joint predictors of psychological functioning (F (1, 124) = 6.882; p < .001; R2= .224) and depression (F (1, 124) = 3.374; p < .01; R2= .124) among persons living with diabetes. Also, it was observed that gender differences exist for depression (t (123) = 2.117; P.05). The practical implications of findings for psychological intervention and management of persons living with diabetes mellitus were discussed.

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.

Corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has emerged as an injurious insect pest to hemp, Cannabis sativa L., a crop newly reintroduced to the United States. Growing hemp presents a potential alternative economic opportunity for farmers but can be challenging with a market that is unstable and just developing. One of the most notable production challenges is managing corn earworm, an insect pest that is particularly damaging when it feeds on flower buds produced in cannabinoid varieties, creating extensive bud tunneling and wounds that allow entry of pathogens that can aid development and presence of bud rot. Damage to seeds is of lesser concern in hemp cultivars grown for grain and minimal risk is associated with hemp grown for fiber. Our ability to research hemp has only recently been allowed as production was largely suspended following World War II and, as such, there has been limited opportunity to develop information for empirically-based pest management recommendations. Further complicating development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are regulatory challenges associated with providing registration support to add hemp to pesticide labels, as it was not formally recognized as a crop by U.S. regulatory agencies until late 2019. Research needs and challenges to develop effective IPM programs for corn earworm on hemp are discussed here.

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.

The high surface area to volume ratio of terrestrial insects makes them highly susceptible to desiccation mainly through the cuticle. Cuticular permeability (CP) is usually the most important factor limiting water loss in terrestrial insects. Water loss rate, percentage of total body water (%TBW) content, CP, and desiccation tolerance were investigated in workers of four Solenopsis species in the southeastern USA. We hypothesized that tropical/subtropical ants (S. invicta and S. geminata) will have lower CP values and tolerate higher levels of desiccation than temperate ants (S. richteri and S. invicta &times, S. richteri). The %TBW content was similar among species. Solenopsis invicta had a 1.3-fold and 1.1-fold lower CP value than S. invicta &times, S. richteri and S. richteri, respectively. Solenopsis geminata had a 1.3-fold lower CP value than S. invicta &times, S. richteri, and a 1.2-fold lower CP value than S. richteri. The LT50 values (lethal time to kill 50% of the population) ranged from 1.5 h (small S. geminata) to 8.5 h (large S. invicta). Desiccation tolerance ranged between 36 and 50 %TBW lost at death and was not related to a species&rsquo, location of origin. This study is the first report of water relations of S. invicta &times, S. richteri. It demonstrates that desiccation stress differentially can affect the survival of different Solenopsis species and implies that environmental stress can affect the distribution of these species in the southeastern USA.

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.

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 (...