Biting and parity status of black flies were evaluated between the transmission seasons (rainy and dry) after long-term Ivermectin treatments in Imo River Basin, Nigeria. Captured black flies were morphologically identified, dissected and assessed by standard protocol. Although more black flies were caught in the rainy season (54.3%) than dry season (45.3%), there was insignificant difference in the transmission parameters (P>0.05). Infection rate (0.2% versus 1.2%), parous rate (19.9% versus 22.4%), Infectivity rate (0.0% versus 0.0%), monthly biting rate (3,533.75 versus 3,095.5) bites/person/month, monthly parous biting rate (703.75 versus 771.5) bites and monthly transmission potential (0.0% versus 0.0%) were comparable for the seasons respectively. The data showed the existence of residual infection at the level of transmission likely to be insignificant to maintain parasite population.
Four ecotypes of Bracharia ruziziensis and five Bracharia decumbens were separately evaluated across two locations with their respective local check under rain fed condition during 2022 to 2024. The basic Agronomic and yield data were collected. Both grass species basic Agronomic parameters such as plant height and biomass yield had shown statistically significant difference (P<0.05) within ecotypes. The leaf to stem ratio of dry biomass is not significantly influenced (P>0.05) between B. ruziziensis ecotypes but, within B. decumbens ecotypes. From the B. ruziziensis ecotypes the combined mean of dry Biomass yield obtained were 5.92 t ha-1 and the tope yielders were ILRI-14774 (7.46 t ha-1) followed by the ILRI-14813, (6.66 t ha-1). From B. decumbens ecotypes ILRI-14721 had yielded the highest average dry biomass (8.61 t ha-1) followed by Local Check, (7.63 t ha-1). B. ruziziensis ecotypes had generally shown more fitness in low land and B. decumbense performed similarly in both tested agroecologes. Therefore, the ecotype ILRI-14774 from B. ruziziensis and B. decumbens ecotype ILRI-14721 can be recommended for further popularization.
The increasing use of plant-derived insecticides for malaria vector control necessitates comprehensive evaluation of their histopathological effects on target organisms. This study investigated acute (24-hour) and chronic (72-hour) tissue damage in Anopheles gambiae exposed to methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of Eucalyptus citriodora, Azadirachta indica and Albizia lebbeck. Using standardized hematoxylin and eosin staining protocols, we observed severe midgut epithelial vacuolization (mean severity score 4.4±0.5) following acute exposure to methanol extracts, progressing to complete tissue necrosis during chronic exposure. Ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated significantly milder effects (p<0.001), suggesting solvent-dependent toxicity patterns. These findings provide crucial insights into the mechanisms of action of botanical insecticides while highlighting the need for careful consideration of solvent selection in formulation development. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting plant-based alternatives for vector control, particularly in resistance management strategies.
The increasing resistance of Anopheles gambiae to synthetic insecticides necessitates alternative vector control strategies, including plant-derived compounds. While previous studies have focused on the larvicidal and adulticidal effects of botanical extracts, their genotoxic potential remains poorly understood. This study evaluated DNA damage in A. gambiae exposed to methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of Eucalyptus citriodora, Azadirachta indica, and Albizia lebbeck using the alkaline comet assay. Adult female mosquitoes were exposed to 300 ppm of each extract for 24 hours, after which midgut cells were isolated and analyzed for DNA fragmentation. Results indicated significant solvent-dependent genotoxicity, with methanol extracts causing the highest DNA damage (78.6±3.8% tail DNA for E. citriodora, *p*<0.001). Ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the least genotoxicity (18-25% tail DNA). These findings suggest that plant-derived insecticides can induce substantial DNA alterations in A. gambiae, with implications for vector control strategies and resistance management.
Insecticide treated bed nets are a form of personal protection that had repeatedly been shown to reduce severe diseases and mortality by about 20% due to malaria in endemic regions. The study was aimed to assess the use of Insecticide Treated bednet and its Challenges among people in Obowo Local Government Area, Imo State. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data of respondents from the study area. A total of 500 questionnaire were shared and a total of 352 (70.4%) was retrieved. From the data it was revealed that 20.4% people had Primary education, Anopheles mosquito as cause of Malaria (56.2%), High fever as symptoms of Malaria (37.2%), Low birth weight as adverse effect of Malaria (43.7%), Environmental sanitation as preventive measures of Malaria (30.1%). It was recorded that Pregnant women as the most users of ITNs (43.1%), St. Francis Catholic Church recorded the highest number of ITNs users (8.5%). Statistical analysis shows a significant difference between Demographic of Respondents, Respondents knowledge of Malaria, preventive measures, knowledge of who uses ITNs, level of use and non use of ITNs, reasons for use and non use of ITNs. It is recommended that to ensure efficient and effective distribution network for easy access and all members of the health team should be educated more about ITNs and there is need to properly inform, educate and convince the ITNs non users to appreciate the need to own and use ITNs.
Despite their important role in food safety, medical safety, and other industries, plastic pollution remains one of the world’s leading environmental issues. One particular plastic is Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has a relatively poor biodegradability. There are various traditional ways of managing plastic waste, but it takes years for plastic debris to degrade completely. Numerous conventional approaches have been proposed, but some pose environmental risks, prompting researchers to explore additional options. Using bacteria (e.g., Ideonella sakaiensis and Thermobifida fusca) to degrade plastics has been considered an alternative, sustainable approach to plastic waste management. In this paper, we briefly provide an overview of the role of plastics, their impact on the environment, their management, and the prospect for PET-degrading bacteria as one of the sustainable approaches in plastic, specifically PET, management.
Hairs are a covering of trichomes (fine hairs) covering plant surfaces including leaves, stems, fruits, sepals, petals and reproductive parts, and hold a significant position in plant taxonomy, physiology, stress response and fossil reconstruction study. To study the objective of hair morphology of Solanaceous plants, three local taxa - Solanum lycopersicum L., Physalis minima L., Solanum diphyllum L. were collected and epidermal hairs were investigated. Both vegetative and reproductive parts were prepared by following proper methodology including cleaning, peeling and observation under the light microscope. A total of ten different types of hairs have been documented in the tree taxa. The hairs can be classified as pointed gland, glandular hair, unicellular hair, unicellular stinging hair, multicellular stinging hair, multicellular finger hair, strigose, hirsute, hispid, and short conical hair. The similarities and dissimilarities of hair types among taxa can be used as a reference point for future systematic and stress response studies in the family Solanaceae.
Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and Indoor Residual sprays (IRS) in synergy have been an effective way to drive vector transmissions to low levels. A comparison-based survey for the field efficacy of (IRS+ITN) versus single interventions, IRS or ITN alone compared with control was conducted in the Mbaise Area of Imo State Nigeria. Sticky trap (ST) and Human bait (HB) techniques were used for sandflies collection. Results from the two techniques showed that after intervention, the lowest sandflies proportion were from households that intervened with combined measures (IRS+ITN) when compared with single intervention households (IRS) and (ITN) or control. The percentage reduction (%RI) at the sites that intervened with IRS+ITN as compared to either control site or single interventions was found to be the highest. The study strongly advocates the use of integration vector management for sand fly reduction and subsequent disease transmission especially in our rural areas.
Superabsorbent hydrogels characterize a set of polymeric materials with three-dimensional structures capable of absorbing large amounts of water due to their hydrophilic functional groups on their surface. Their application in industries, agriculture, and the environment is of primary significance. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of green superabsorbent hydrogels derived from activated charcoal. The process involved a polymerization reaction between activated charcoal (AC) with glycerol (G) using sodium hydroxide as an initiator in the absence and presence of maleic acid as a crosslinker to synthesize HCG-1 and HCG-2 superabsorbent hydrogel respectively. Characterization of the hydrogels was done using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optimization conditions were done by synthesizing hydrogel with varying dosages of both activated carbon and maleic acid as well as swelling time. The FT-IR results showed the appearance of strong sharp peaks at 1591.34 cm-1 and 1400.28 cm-1 in HCG-1 associated with -COO¯ symmetric stretching and asymmetric bending vibrations, indicating interlink between reacting monomers. A new absorption band at 1639.48 cm-1 associated with -COO¯ bending in non-conjugated ester indicates ester-crosslink in HCG-2 hydrogel. XRD analysis showed a phase shift from semi-crystalline to crystalline structure upon crosslinking. SEM analysis showed a crystalline intact, rigid structure without voids and pores on its surface in HCG-1 compared to the smooth irregular pores and lamina structure observed in HCG-2 hydrogel. The dosage ratio of AC: G: maleic acid of 8:5:1 produced hydrogel with an optimal water absorption capacity of 1255.80±0.70%. Maleic acid was found to improve the water absorption capacity of the superabsorbent. The study is an eye opener towards the application of biodegradable hydrogels in agriculture, especially in semi and arid regions.
This research was conducted in four VDCs of Darechok from Chitwan, Sarangkot from Kaski, Tilhar from Parbat and Bhatkhola from Syangja including two components of field research survey and soil sampling in 2014/2015 to determine soil properties in different land use systems in relation to soil erosion and landslide. This was designed as a factor randomized complete block design with six treatments and land use systems replicated four times. There were six types of predominant land use systems namely perennial orchard, forest, maize based, vegetable based, fallow and rice based lands. Among different districts, soil of Kaski was loamy and that of Chitwan, Parbat and Syangja was sandy loam. Among the treatments, maize based system has the highest bulk density as compared to soils from other cropping systems while moisture percentage was the highest in rice based land use systems. The highest pH (6.02) in maize based agricultural land and that of the lowest (4.6) in forestland systems were observed. The highest organic matter (5.95 %) and nitrogen content (0.3050%) were in forests. Phosphorus was found significantly higher (98.25 kg/ha) in vegetable land. There was a positive correlation (R2=0.5381) between nitrogen and organic matter content and organic matter content and phosphorus content (R2=0.1026). The highest value of potassium (312 kg/ha) was detected in soils from maize based systems. Among different land use systems, forestland contains relatively higher amounts of nutrients than others. From both the risk factors and soil fertility point of view forest land use systems were the best among the treatments.
Myocardial infarction, more often known as cardiac arrest, occurs when the supply of blood to the heart’s coronary artery decreases or ceases, causing damage to the heart muscle. Xyloglucan is a plant polysaccharide. Xyloglucan has been proven in several studies utilizing model organisms to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by avoiding post-occlusion phases inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing energy metabolism. Many studies utilize Drosophila melanogaster because its SRY-related HMG-box 5 (SOX5) gene encodes a SOX family transcription factor; the human SOX5 ortholog, Sox102F, is well conserved in Drosophila melanogaster. Suppressing Sox102F in flies resulted in significant heart dysfunction, structural defects, and a disturbance in notch signal transduction. This demonstrates that SOX5 serves an important functional part in the heart and that variations in SOX5 concentrations may contribute to the possibility of myocardial infarction. Xyloglucan activity is significant in myocardial infarction and may be lowered in the myocardium after H/R damage by stimulating Notch signaling, which may benefit myocardial survival, angiogenesis, and cardiac function. This review discusses the roles of the human SOX5 and Drosophila SOX102F genes, the notch signaling system, and how xyloglucan in tamarind seeds may defend against heart damage by preventing apoptosis along with improving energy metabolism.
Fungi infections are a danger to the value of human life as they cause health issues such as depression, lack of self-confidence and seclusion in infected individuals. To date, the prevalence and distribution of airborne fungi spores are still not well documented in Uganda. Airborne fungi spores in Kabale Referral and Rugarama hospitals were monitored for two months. This study also examined the proportion of fungal infection cases reported in the two hospitals regularly. The fungal colonies were collected for two months using the open plate sedimentation method with Petri dishes of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media, cultured and identified morphologically. The obtained results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMTR) with a level of significance at P<0.05. A total of 398 fungal colonies were obtained from the two locations for the period of study. Aspergillus flavus (15.3%) followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (10.6%) recorded the highest number of fungal colonies while Nigrospora (1%), Fusarium spp,(2.3%) and Trichoderma spp, (1.3%) had the least number of species in all the locations sampled. A number of the fungi isolated are opportunistic and are allergens that cause various diseases, irritations and allergic reactions in humans. Therefore, this study recommends routine aerobiological monitoring in both outdoor and indoor hospital environments for better management of fungal infections.
In the most of functional studies, various stress tests are used to assess functional improvement following spinal cord injury in animal models. However, available methods of motor function evaluation are not always accurate and unbiased. The main objective of the study was to create a new method of motor activity assessment in minor animal models of spinal cord injury. This method should provide an objective and accurate evaluation of limb motor function in models having severe neurological disorders following contusion spinal cord injury. The swimming test was used as the key behavioral test. To assess the motor function of swimming animals’ hind limbs, we measured angles of hind limbs movements adjusted to the motion direction axis. Then we calculated individual angles dispersion for each joint and limb using the parameters of angles sample dispersion and amplitude-depending dispersion. The current study included two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats: control group and a group of animals having moderate thoracic spinal cord contusion injury. Control animals demonstrated stable dispersion indicators for 6 weeks of follow-up. In the experimental group, a tendency to the improvement of motor function in hind limbs between 1 and 3 weeks was revealed followed by stabilization and preservation of both indicators between 3 and 6 weeks. Provided method based on the measurement of joint angles adjusted to the movement direction axis followed by calculation of indicators of variance of a random variable and amplitude-depending variance can be an effective and objective alternative for motor function evaluation.
The present study assessed the role of larvicidal activities of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol dried leaf and bark extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Gleditsia triacanthos, Eucalyptus sglobulus and Azadirachta aindica against the fourth instar larvae of filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae). Larvicidal activities of four medicinal plant extracts were studied in the range of 4.69 to 1000 mg/l in the laboratory bioassays against early 4th instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. The mortality data were subjected to probit analysis to determine the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) to kill 50 and 90 per cent of the treated larvae of the respective species. All plant extracts showed moderate effects after 24 h of exposure; however, the highest toxic effect of leaf methanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum, bark ethyl acetate extract of Eucalyptus globulus, methanol extract of Azadirachta indicia and methanol bark extract of Gleditsia triacanthos against the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus with LC50=43.00, 41.02, 40.12 and 20.36 mg/l; LC90=278.32, 218.72, 215.01 and 86.29 mg/l respectively. The result of findings shows that leaf and bark extract of G. tricantha, A .indica, O. gratissimum and E .globulus can be developed as ecofriendly larvicides.
The efficiency of two selection indices; base index and the multiplicative index was compared to determine the effectiveness of each in identifying superior genotypes in cassava (Manihot esculent Crantz) population. Genotypic data on various yield and quality traits among 570 cassava genotypes were used to construct these selection indices. The efficiency of these indices was compared by determining the performance means of each genotype for studied traits and computing selection differentials of each index. Best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) for dry matter content and harvest index were also used for comparison of the two selection indices. The base index produced high-performance means of all five studied traits and proved to be more efficient compared to the multiplicative index in the improvement of cassava genotypes. In addition, the base index produced high selection differentials for three out of five studied traits. It was concluded that the base index is useful in cassava germplasm selection
Over the last decade, consumers have been largely dependent on and trust the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) to conveniently meet their banking needs. However, despite the numerous advantages of ATM system, ATM fraud has recently become more widespread. In this paper, we provide an overview of the possible fraudulent activities that may be perpetrated against ATMs and investigates recommended approaches to prevent these types of frauds. In particular, we develop a prototype model for the utilization of three tier security equipped ATM to provide security solutions against must of the well-known breaches. In this research article, the tools and techniques of ATM fraud are contemplated. A secure three layer electronic transaction mechanism of ATM is developed to prevent ATM frauds. In this three layer authentication systems the users can improve ATM security against frauds and crimes.
Regulation and coordination of different body organs is important in multicellular organisms. Hormones and the nervous system participate in this synchronization. Hormones are the compounds and chemical messengers produced by cells, glands, or special tissues called the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream. In addition to the hormones, blood is consist of proteins, sugars, lipids, vitamins, etc. Blood sugar is glucose which produces energy in the body. Regular blood glucose levels vary at different ages and exceed 120-170 mg / dl. It is harmful and even fatal to increase or decrease it from the normal level, so the concentration of glucose dissolved in plasma was subject to tight regulation and various regulatory mechanisms were developed thereon. Hormones cortisol, glucagon, adrenaline, and glucocorticoids are the major regulators. These substances are tracked regularly to prevent blood glucose from rising and dropping. Insulin consists of hyperglycemia, as well as other hormones. The mechanism by which it affects the metabolism of the food (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) prevents hypoglycemia in several respects.
Sustainable management of pastoral resources requires knowledge in terms of floristic diversity and productivity of the rangelands. The objective of the present study carried out in the Bamboutos Mountains was to assess the floristic diversity and carrying capacity of the natural pastures. Floristic inventory was done using the method of quadrat point aligned in 15 plots of 400 m². Aerial phytomass of herbaceous plants was measured by the full harvest method. A total of 74 species, including 09 woody plants belonging to 56 genera and 20 families were recorded. The number of taxa recorded in the plots varied from 11 to 36 species. Imperata cylindrica with a specific contribution of presence of 17.45% was the most abundant species in the rangeland. The species-richest families were Poaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Cyperaceae. The calculated pastoral value of the pasture was 56.21%. These pastures were dominated by phanerophytes (29.72%) and therophytes (24.32%). The forage productivity of the grazed area, estimated based on the regrowth biomass was 6498.57 kg DM/ha while the carrying capacity of the rangeland was 2.31 TLU/ha. These results showed that the fodder potential of the Bamboutos Mountains is enough diversified but remains under exploited.
This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antifungal potential of Citrus limon peels using aqueous and methanol extracts against Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer causing rots in water melon. The result of phytocemical screening revealed the presence of Saponin, Tannin, Phenols, Alkaloid and Flavanoid. Pathogenicity test conducted showed that F. oxysporum and R. stolonifer causes rots of Citrullus lanatus. The extracts inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum (76.67% and 60.00 %) methanol and aqueous respectively. R. stolonifer growth was inhibited (85.93% and 71.11%) methanol and aqueous extracts. The fungitoxicity of synthetic fungicide Benomyl was 95.56%. The methanol extracts has highest inhibitory activity than aqueous extract. The result of the findings indicates the Biofungicide potentials of Citrus limon peels as alternative to synthetic fungicide in management of phyto-pathogens of water lemon.
A total of fifteen pre-packaged fruit salad samples containing pineapple, water melon, pawpaw and cucumber sold in the Lagos State University, Ojo Campus was analyzed using culture techniques for its microbial qualities. Five bacteria genera isolates obtained are Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus and the three fungi genera isolates are Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Escherichia coli had the highest frequency of (40%) followed by Streptococcus with (20%), Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas has the same frequency of (13%). The total viable count was in the range of 1.6 × 105 cfu/g to 5.65 × 105 cfu/g while the total coliform count ranged from 1.0 × 105 to 3.3 × 105 cfu/g. The fungal count ranged from 1.5 × 105 to 3.4 × 105 cfu/g. This study revealed that fruit salads in the studied area needs proper sanitation practice during processing in order to avoid risks associated with the consumption of contaminated fruits for the consumers.
