Background: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the freshwater fish species highly prized by fish farmers in Burkina Faso. The use of plant extracts as feed additives in fish diets to accelerate growth has shown promising results. Detarium microcarpum is a medicinal plant known for its beneficial chemical compounds. However, very little data exist on its use as a feed additive to promote fish growth. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of Detarium microcarpum bark extract on the growth performance and feed utilisation of Nile tilapia. Study Design: An experimental study was conducted to assess the potential effect of Detarium microcarpum bark extract on the growth performance and feed utilisation of Nile tilapia. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the private hatchery of the Faso Fish Expertise and Production Center, in Loumbila village, Oubri region, Burkina Faso, for 90 days. Methodology: The feeding trial was conducted with 180 fingerlings (initial weight of 7.49 ± 1.43 g) randomly assigned to four groups receiving different doses of D. microcarpum bark extract added to the base diet (0, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg of feed, designated T0, T1, T2, and T3), with three replicates per treatment. Results: The results regarding growth and condition factor showed no significant differences between treated and untreated fish. For all treatments, weight gain ranged from 24.69 ± 9.65 g to 28.96 ± 14.45 g, specific growth rate ranged from 1.59 ± 0.35%/day to 1.75 ± 0.42%/day, survival rate ranged from 91.11% to 95.56%, and feed conversion ratio ranged from 1.67 ± 0.15 to 1.87 ± 0.21. The condition factor ranged from 2.22 ± 0.23 to 2.29 ± 0.17. Conclusion: The addition of D. microcarpum bark extract to the diet had no negative effect on the growth, feed utilisation, or welfare of Nile tilapia.
Background: Efficient nutrient management is important for sustaining rice productivity while reducing dependence on conventional nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. This study assessed the performance of nano urea and nano DAP when integrated with reduced conventional N and P fertilization under alluvial soil conditions. Aim: A two-year on-farm trial was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2024 and 2025 in ten farmers’ fields to evaluate the effects of nano urea and nano DAP on rice yield, soil properties, and profitability. Methodology: The demonstration comprised three fertilizer combinations: 100% RDF @ 120:60:40 kg N:P:K/ha (N120P60K40); 75% recommended N and P + 100% K with one foliar spray of nano DAP and nano urea at the pre-flowering stage (N90P45K40+NanoNP1FS); and 75% recommended N and P + 100% K with two foliar sprays of nano DAP and nano urea at the active tillering and pre-flowering stages (N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS). Results: N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS significantly improved growth and yield attributes, recording the highest plant height (111.47 cm), number of tillers (15.95/plant), number of effective tillers (13.80/plant), number of grains (147.65/panicle), and test weight (31.88 g). The highest grain yield (50.78 q/ha) and straw yield (70.96 q/ha) were also obtained under N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS. Grain yield was 6.88% higher than under N120P60K40 and 3.11% higher than under N90P45K40+NanoNP1FS. Correlation analysis indicated significant relationships among soil properties, particularly a positive relationship between pH and organic carbon and negative relationships between available phosphorus and EC and between available nitrogen and potassium. Economic analysis showed that N90P45K40+NanoNP2FS recorded the highest net return (Rs. 70,842.98/ha) and B:C ratio despite a slightly higher cultivation cost. Conclusion: The study showed that two foliar applications of nano urea and nano DAP, together with 75% recommended N and P and 100% K, could improve rice productivity and profitability compared with the other fertilizer treatments evaluated.
Plant-derived preparations occupy a prominent and expanding place in the self-management of memory complaints and age-related cognitive decline, yet the relationship between their pharmacological promise and their demonstrated clinical value remains poorly resolved. This critical narrative review examines the evidence for medicinal plants as interventions for cognitive health in adults, encompassing healthy ageing, subjective cognitive complaint, mild cognitive impairment and established dementia. Literature was identified through structured searching of biomedical and bibliographic indexes together with citation tracking and interrogation of institutional sources, and appraised against criteria appropriate to botanical intervention research rather than to conventional single-molecule pharmacology. The synthesis is organised around five interlocking problems: the conceptual instability of cognitive-enhancement terminology; the evidentiary asymmetry between mechanistic and clinical findings; species-level heterogeneity in trial quality and effect direction; the methodological features that generate apparently contradictory results; and the product-level determinants that make many trials functionally non-replicable. Evidence is strongest, though still modest in magnitude, for standardised extracts evaluated in symptomatic populations over sustained periods, and weakest for acute studies in cognitively intact adults where ceiling effects and outcome multiplicity dominate. Large long-term prevention trials have consistently failed to reproduce the benefits suggested by shorter symptomatic trials, an asymmetry that is better explained by differences in population, exposure and outcome sensitivity than by simple publication bias. Chemical characterisation of the tested material is frequently absent or inadequate, which converts nominally identical interventions into pharmacologically distinct entities and undermines pooled estimates. Botanical authentication failures, undeclared synthetic adulterants and limited systemic and central bioavailability further separate the material studied in trials from the products consumers obtain. Priorities for the field include mandatory extract characterisation, biomarker-anchored dose selection, adequately powered trials in defined symptomatic populations, and harmonised cognitive outcome sets. Present evidence supports continued rigorous investigation of a small number of well-characterised extracts, but does not support general claims of cognitive benefit for medicinal plants as a category.
Anthropogenic pressures are among the major drivers of aquatic ecosystem degradation, and Zygnematophyceae are considered reliable bioindicators for evaluating ecological changes in freshwater environments. The main objective was to determine the diversity of Zygnematophyceae and to characterise some dominant species in selected rivers of the city of Bamenda. Microalgae were collected from 16 sampling sites located along the wetland rivers of Bamenda between October and December 2023 using a plankton net. Physicochemical parameters were simultaneously measured. The collected Zygnematophyceae cells were identified, described and counted. The biological diversity indices and the abundance of these cells at each site were determined. The waters of the urban rivers of Bamenda exhibited slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions, with dissolved oxygen concentrations ranging from 1.98 to 6.54 mg/L. A total of 22 species and 10 genera of Zygnematophyceae, divided into 2 orders and 4 families, were identified. The families Desmidiaceae and Closteriaceae were the most diverse. Closterium acerosum, Closterium ehrenbergii, Closterium parvulum, Gonatozygon monotaenium, Micrasterias radians, Pleurotaenium ehrenbergii, Spirogyra ellipsospora, Spirogyra gracilis and Zygnema stellinum were the dominant species. Diversity indices were moderately high and varied significantly from one site to another. Zygnematophyceae were most abundant at site 1 (5335 ± 859 individuals/mL) and at site 6 (4190 ± 995 individuals/mL). These results contribute to knowledge of biodiversity in the urban rivers of Bamenda. They may support the management and monitoring of these rivers.
Animal husbandry occupies a contested position in sustainable food-system transitions. Livestock can convert grass, crop residues, agro-industrial co-products and food-chain losses into nutrient-dense foods while returning manure and other biological resources to productive use. Yet conventional livestock systems can also intensify competition for arable land, concentrate nutrients, generate greenhouse gases and create animal-health and environmental risks. This critical narrative review evaluates whether, and under which conditions, circular-economy strategies improve the sustainability of animal husbandry. The reviewed evidence was organized around circular feeding, crop–livestock recoupling, manure-derived nutrients and energy, slaughter and processing by-product valorization, life-cycle performance, One Health safeguards, and the economics and governance of implementation. The synthesis indicates that the strongest circular functions of livestock arise when animals consume low-opportunity-cost biomass, when manure nutrients are matched spatially and temporally to crop demand, and when recovery technologies displace virgin fertilizers or fossil energy rather than merely adding new processing stages. Benefits are less certain when transport distances are long, nutrient surpluses remain unresolved, co-product credits dominate life-cycle results, or recycled inputs introduce pathogens, contaminants, antimicrobial resistance determinants or nutritionally variable feed. Circularity, therefore, cannot be treated as a proxy for sustainability. It requires a hierarchy that prioritizes waste prevention and direct human use before feed, material, nutrient, and energy recovery, together with explicit safeguards for animal health, welfare, food safety, and ecological integrity. Current evidence is constrained by inconsistent system boundaries, limited multi-year whole-farm trials, geographical concentration and weak integration of biophysical, economic and social outcomes. A credible transition towards circular animal husbandry depends on context-specific design, harmonized indicators, traceable resource flows, enforceable safety standards, regional nutrient planning, and business arrangements that distribute costs and value across farmers, processors, and consumers.
Soil degradation is an environmental and agricultural concern that reduces the capacity of land to support crop production, ecosystem functions and sustainable livelihoods. This review summarises the principal causes, consequences, challenges and management strategies associated with soil degradation. It identifies natural and human-induced drivers, including wind and water erosion, drought, floods, deforestation, overgrazing, urbanisation, industrial pollution, intensive cultivation, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, poor irrigation management and continuous cropping. These processes contribute to the physical, chemical and biological deterioration of soil through topsoil loss, compaction, salinisation, acidification, depletion of organic matter and decline of beneficial soil organisms. The main consequences include reduced soil fertility and crop productivity, biodiversity loss, disrupted nutrient cycling, increased vulnerability to climate-related stresses, water pollution and adverse socio-economic effects on farmers and rural communities. The review highlights practical barriers to soil conservation, such as limited awareness, weak extension support, poor policy implementation, fragmented institutional responsibilities and financial constraints among smallholder farmers. Management options discussed in the manuscript include sustainable land management, conservation tillage, organic manure, cover crops, crop rotation, agroforestry, afforestation, contour farming, bunds, terracing, improved irrigation and community-based conservation supported by appropriate policy frameworks. These approaches aim to restore soil structure, improve nutrient availability, conserve water and reduce further erosion. Overall, soil degradation is presented as a multidimensional problem requiring integrated ecological, agronomic, social and policy responses. Sustained improvement in soil health depends on locally suitable conservation practices, farmer participation, institutional coordination and long-term commitment to protecting soil as a finite natural resource.
Teleost fish, such as Tilapia mossambica, are widely recognized as important models in ecotoxicological research due to their evolutionary and ecological relevance. The current study evaluates the physiological and histopathological effects of the carbamate pesticide, carbofuran (Furadan) on T. mossambica. Fishes were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of carbofuran (1.5 ppm and 2.5 ppm) for 24 and 48 hours. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for 24-hour exposure was determined to be 3 ppm. Significant reductions in oxygen consumption were observed, indicating metabolic disruption. Histopathological examination of the gills, liver, and intestine revealed pronounced tissue alterations, including necrosis, hyperplasia, vacuolization, and epithelial damage. The study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions using cultured fish, ensuring that the observed effects are solely due to carbofuran exposure without external environmental interference. These findings demonstrate that even sub-lethal concentrations of carbofuran can cause severe physiological and structural impairments in fish, underscoring the pesticide’s potential risk to aquatic organisms and the broader aquatic environment.
Carbamate pesticides rank among the most frequently utilized chemical substances in both agricultural practices and domestic pest management. Their neurotoxic effects, primarily due to the reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, have led to a need for advanced analytical systems capable of identifying trace residues in various environmental settings. This study aims to create and assess a multi-technique analytical framework for the detection, identification, and quantification of carbamate pesticides in environmental samples, while examining analytical performance, matrix influences, and breakdown products to facilitate precise environmental monitoring and toxicological risk evaluation. This research provides a comprehensive experimental analysis of chromatographic, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and biosensing methods for multi-carbamate detection. Actual environmental samples were tested to compare sensitivity, reproducibility, identification of metabolic markers, and degradation patterns. The study establishes an enhanced multi-platform detection system with simultaneous multi-carbamate analytical abilities, laying a solid groundwork for regulatory oversight, environmental forensics, and assessments of long-term exposure.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a geographically isolated archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, harbour exceptional tropical biodiversity, including a remarkable diversity of Zingiberaceae (the ginger family). This archipelago serves as a phytogeographic meeting ground for Indo-Malayan and Southeast Asian floral elements, yielding a unique setting for the evolution and utilisation of the ginger family. The present review consolidates and synthesises existing ethnobotanical and pharmacological knowledge on Zingiberaceae recorded from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with particular attention to traditional uses among indigenous tribes, including the Jarawa, Onge, Shompen, Nicobarese, Great Andamanese, and Karen communities. Several genera—including Zingiber, Curcuma, Alpinia, Etlingera, Amomum, Hedychium, and Plagiostachys—have been documented in the islands, with some taxa representing narrow endemics of exceptional biogeographic significance. Key species such as Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Alpinia galanga, and the endemic Etlingera fenzlii have prominent roles in tribal healthcare systems, serving as anti-inflammatory, digestive, antipyretic, antimicrobial, and wound-healing agents. The case of E. fenzlii, used exclusively by the Shompen as a bee repellent and for various ailments, represents a singularly compelling illustration of the intersection of island endemism and traditional ecological knowledge. Pharmacological studies have broadly validated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and larvicidal activities in several documented species. Despite this ethnobotanical richness, comprehensive documentation of Zingiberaceae traditional uses in the archipelago remains fragmented, and endemic taxa face threats from habitat loss, natural disasters, and erosion of traditional knowledge. This review underscores the urgent need for systematic ethnobotanical surveys, pharmacological validation, and conservation strategies for Zingiberaceous biodiversity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The aquaculture industry faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable fish production amid growing demand. Proteomics, a cutting-edge omics technology, is revolutionizing fish health research by delivering molecular insights into pathogen identification, immune responses, and adaptations to environmental stress. Advanced mass spectrometry-based methods, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), enable detailed characterization of any fish or aquatic product's proteome, accelerating the analysis of molecular mechanisms in complex aquatic environments. Over the past decade, omics technologies have gained traction in aquaculture, enhancing selective breeding programs through proteomic profiling of proteins linked to disease resistance, growth performance, and metabolic efficiency. This paves the way for precision aquaculture. A comprehensive review reveals that proteomics facilitates examination of key fish traits, identification of molecular markers for health and welfare, and promotion of sustainable development—ultimately ensuring the safety and quality of aquatic food products.
The global agricultural sector is facing unprecedented challenges driven by climate change, poor irrigation management and natural hydrogeological factors, leading to widespread soil salinization and waterlogging. These interconnected environmental hazards threaten global food security by severely degrading arable land, reducing crop yields and altering ecosystem dynamics. Traditional field-based monitoring methods are highly resource-intensive, localized and often fail to capture the dynamic, large-scale spatial distribution of salinity and waterlogging over time. Consequently, the integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has emerged as an indispensable paradigm for the real-time, cost-effective and synoptic assessment of these land degradation processes. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes the contemporary advancements, methodologies and challenges in deploying RS and GIS technologies for mapping and modeling soil salinity and waterlogging. We delve into the theoretical mechanisms underlying primary and secondary salinization and the hydrological imbalances causing waterlogging. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the efficacy of diverse satellite platforms, ranging from optical and multispectral sensors to advanced microwave and radar systems that overcome cloud cover limitations and provide precise soil moisture estimates. The review also explores the integration of geospatial modeling and Topographic Wetness Indices (TWI) alongside cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. These algorithms, such as Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), have revolutionized predictive accuracy by effectively managing multicollinearity and complex environmental datasets. By analyzing recent global case studies from arid and semi-arid regions, including the Nile Delta, the Shiyang River Basin and agricultural zones in India, this paper identifies critical environmental drivers like topography, climate change and inappropriate land-cover management. Finally, we outline future directions emphasizing multi-sensor data fusion, cloud-based geocomputation and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to facilitate sustainable land management and mitigate the escalating threats of salinization and waterlogging.
Pigeon pox is a contagious viral disease of pigeons caused by avipoxvirus, characterized by proliferative cutaneous lesions and diphtheritic plaques affecting unfeathered areas and mucous membranes. The disease can result in debility, reduced productivity and secondary infections in affected birds. The rock pigeon (Columba livia) is highly susceptible to this infection, which commonly affects both feral and domestic pigeon populations worldwide. In the present case, a rock pigeon was presented with nodular, proliferative, and crusty lesions involving the eyelids, beak, and oral cavity, with some lesions showing superficial ulceration. Histopathology examination of the nodular lesions revealed characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger bodies), confirming the diagnosis of pigeon pox. The present case highlights the significance of histopathology as a reliable diagnostic tool for the confirmative diagnosis of pigeon pox in rock pigeons. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent disease transmission and secondary complications in affected pigeons.
Sheep remain highly susceptible to infection and frequently develop acute or subacute fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica following ingestion of infective metacercaria present on contaminated pasture and water sources. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of strategic management practices for controlling Fasciolosis in sheep. Two male Muzaffarnagari sheep were presented at RVP, ICAR-IVRI, Bareilly with clinical signs including anorexia, depression, painful bleating, pyrexia, serous nasal discharge, conjunctival pallor and oedema. Faecal examination revealed Fasciola hepatica eggs. Haematological evaluation revealed anaemia and leukocytosis. Serum biochemical analysis indicated hepatic dysfunction and severe hypoproteinemia. One sheep succumbed to infection, and post-mortem examination demonstrated multiple greyish necrotic lesions with haemorrhages and cavities containing numerous Fasciola spp. within bile ducts. Therapeutic management included Triclabendazole bolus @10 mg/kg administered twice at a 3-day interval along with supportive therapy. Deworming of the remaining flock using Triclabendazole @10 mg/kg was advised. Post-treatment faecal examination was negative for fasciolosis, and no further mortality occurred within the flock.
This work describes a unique, dual-platform analytical methodology for the retrospective identification and quantification of Propoxur (2-Isopropoxyphenylmethylcarbamate) and other related N-methyl carbamates based on their specific protein-adduct biomarkers rather than the parent compounds. Carbamates are potent inhibitors of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) forming a transient, carbamylated enzyme complex. We will exploit residual, slowly hydrolyzing carbamoylated protein adducts in biological matrices, particularly in erythrocyte acetyl cholinesterase (RBC-AChE), as stable, long-term exposure biomarkers. The approach pairs a high-resolution, high-sensitivity Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) platform for confirmatory analysis of released carbamic acids/phenolic metabolites with an Enzymatic Electrochemical Biosensing Platform (EEBP) for rapid, on-site screening of residual AChE inhibition. It significantly expands the time window for the temporal assessment of exposure, thus providing unequivocal retrospective evidence of carbamate poisoning beyond the very short and rapid detoxification phase.
Pseuderanthemum latifolium (Vahl.) B. Hansen, a rare member of Acanthaceae, was relocated from Mahavinayak, a sacred hill forest in Jajpur district, coastal Odisha, India, during floristic exploration of the family Acanthaceae. The species has previously been treated in regional literature as Pseuderanthemum malabaricum (C.B. Clarke) Gamble, now regarded as a synonym of P. latifolium. Earlier documentation from Odisha was associated with the Northern Circars, including Ganjam district, and recent field observations indicate its relocation in the state after about 30 years. The present note provides an updated taxonomic account based on field collection, examination of vegetative and reproductive characters, comparison with herbarium material and consultation of relevant literature and online databases. The plants were observed growing sporadically in shaded rock crevices under forest canopy, and only three to four individuals were recorded at the study site. Diagnostic characters, phenology, habitat and ecology, systematic position, distributional notes, a colour photo plate and photomicrographs are presented to support reliable identification and future comparison in subsequent surveys. A preliminary threat assessment was also undertaken using the Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool by incorporating 139 GBIF occurrence points and two user points. The estimated extent of occurrence was 55,097,853.217 km², while the area of occupancy was 336.000 km². On the basis of Criterion B1, the taxon falls under Least Concern, whereas Criterion B2 indicates Endangered status. Considering the restricted and sporadic occurrence observed in Odisha, the study emphasises the need for continued field verification, habitat monitoring and site-level conservation attention for this species in coastal Odisha.
Aim: The present study investigates seasonal variations in the hematological profile of Wallago attu in the Sai River in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, India, across three sites representing different levels of anthropogenic influence. Study Design: The study was based on field based quantitative analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Three sites were chosen at Sai River in district Pratapgarh, UP, India. The duration of the study was 2 years. Methodology: Fish samples were collected during winter, summer, and rainy seasons. Live fish were transported to the laboratory under optimum conditions and processed immediately for blood sampling and observations. Results: The haematological parameters of Wallago attu exhibited significant variations across the three sampling sites (Site I, Site II, and Site III) and seasons (winter, summer, and rainy), indicating the influence of water quality on fish physiology. A consistent and significant decline in haemoglobin (Hb) and erythrocyte (RBC) count was observed from Site I to Site III in all seasons. In contrast, total leucocyte count (WBC) showed a significant increase at Site III across all seasons, with the highest values observed during summer. ESR values decreased progressively from Site I to Site III in all seasons. PCV values also showed a declining trend from Site I to Site III, with significant reductions in winter and rainy seasons. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) showed an increasing trend from Site I to Site III, while MCHC exhibited variable responses but generally decreased in polluted sites (especially during the rainy season). The seasonal fluctuations may be attributed to changes in temperature, dilution effects during rainfall, and variation in pollutant load. Conclusion: Overall, the progressive deterioration in haematological parameters from Site I to Site III clearly indicates that water quality of the Sai River adversely affects the health of Wallago attu. The observed anaemia, altered red cell indices, and elevated WBC counts suggest physiological stress and immune response due to pollution, making these parameters reliable biomarkers for environmental monitoring.
Skin disorders are a public health concern and are often associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial infection. In Burkina Faso, Annona senegalensis and Pseudocedrela kotschyi are used traditionally for skin-related conditions. This study evaluated the phytochemical content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and acute toxicity profiles of bark extracts from these two species. Trunk bark powders were extracted by methanolic maceration, hydromethanolic maceration, and aqueous decoction. Total phenolics and flavonoids were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium trichloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation, and antifungal activity was tested against Candida albicans. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in NMRI mice at 2000 mg/kg body weight. Methanolic extracts yielded the highest total phenolic contents, with 528.56 ± 4.95 mg GAE/100 g for P. kotschyi and 384.57 ± 4.04 mg GAE/100 g for A. senegalensis. The strongest DPPH activity was obtained with methanolic A. senegalensis (IC50 = 0.15 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and methanolic P. kotschyi (IC50 = 0.41 ± 0.06 µg/mL). The best anti-inflammatory responses were recorded for aqueous P. kotschyi and hydromethanolic A. senegalensis, with BSA denaturation inhibition of 77 ± 0.63% and 71 ± 0.12%, respectively. Methanolic extracts of P. kotschyi and A. senegalensis inhibited C. albicans, with MICs of 100 and 250 µg/mL, respectively. No mortality or apparent toxicity was observed at 2000 mg/kg. These findings support the traditional use of these species and indicate that their bark extracts contain bioactive constituents that warrant further investigation.
Ancylostoma caninum, a blood-feeding gastrointestinal nematode, is a well-established cause of anemia and hypoproteinemia in dogs. In addition to blood loss, Ancylostoma infections may induce thrombocytopenia by secreting antithrombotic peptides. A 1-year-old Doberman breed male dog was presented to the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, IVRI with lethargy and melena. Hematologic evaluation revealed moderate thrombocytopenia. Fecal examination confirmed a heavy burden of Ancylostoma caninum eggs and larvae. Comprehensive diagnostic work-up including PCR, serum biochemistry, and abdominal ultrasonography failed to identify alternative causes for the thrombocytopenia. The dog was treated with fenbendazole and praziquantel for 3 days, but platelet count failed to improve. Subsequently, Romiplostim was administered @ 5 µg/Kg subcutaneously once along with prednisolone @ 0.5mg/Kg IM. This regimen resulted in a rapid and sustained increase in platelet count, with normalization achieved by day 5 (platelet count 146 × 103 cells/mm3). Clinical signs resolved completely, with no relapse observed during a four-week follow-up. This case highlights a novel presentation of romiplostim-responsive thrombocytopenia associated with Ancylostoma caninum infection, likely mediated by antithrombotic peptides and immune mechanisms.
Riparian areas are the unique areas adjacent water body. These transitional zones play a vital role in maintaining water quality and regulating hydrological processes. The current study focuses on the downstream agro-ecosystem landscapes of the Bhadra River, aiming to develop a comprehensive checklist of riparian flora. It examines the tree species diversity, composition and richness of Riparian area from January to May 2025. The study also emphasis to assesses anthropogenic disturbances affecting riparian vegetation in the study area. Random plots were laid on both the sides of Agroecosystem riparian areas of downstream Bhadra River. A total of 48 tree species belonging to 24 families were recorded from the riparian agroecosystem zones of the Bhadra River dominated by the Family Fabaceae. IVI analysis reveals that Albizia saman, Pongemia pinnata, Leucaena leucocephala and Eucalyptus as dominant contributors to the vegetation structure with IVI values of 66.1,35.8 ,30.1 and 18.3 respectively. In contrast native riparian species such as Terminalia arjuna and Syzygium cumini were observed with very low IVI values. The dominance of Non riparian species in the riparian buffers of Bhadra indicates the possible Anthropogenic pressures which requires an immediate attention for the restoration of native riparian vegetation for the conservation of river morphology and associated aquatic habitats also for the maintenance of essential ecosystem services.
This study examined technology adoption, market access, and income performance of agro-processing enterprises in Edo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 284 agro-processing operators, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, a Market Access Index (MAI), Generalized Linear Model, multiple regression, and logistic regression analyses were employed. The results showed that the mean MAI was 0.634, indicating moderate market access. Education (β = 0.031, p < 0.05), cooperative membership (β = 0.120, p < 0.05), extension services (β = 0.135, p < 0.05), and digital technology adoption (β = 0.152, p < 0.01) significantly influenced market access. Market access significantly increased monthly income (β = 7,850; p < 0.05) and employment generation (β = 0.820; p < 0.05). Major constraints included high transport costs (Mean = 2.850) and price fluctuations (Mean = 3.100). Agro-processing enterprises in Edo State operate within the context of inhibited environment characterized by inadequate financial access, infrastructural deficit and weak institutional support. The study recommended increased investment in rural infrastructure to enhance market accessibility and enterprise performance.
