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Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Tribolium confusum (Jacquelin du Val) are common and damaging pests of stored grain flours in several homes and flour mill industries worldwide. This study examines how food, species, concentration, and exposure time affect the susceptibility and nutritional physiology of T. castaneum and T. confusum when exposed to partially purified methanolic fruit extract of Dennettia tripetala (G. Baker) and two of its major active compounds (linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the chemical profile of the partially purified plant extract. Thirty‐two compounds were found in the plant, including established insecticidal and insectifuge compounds such as linalool, cis‐vaccenic acid, 2‐phenylnitroethane, and linoleic acid, among others. The interactions among the factors have a differential impact on the susceptibility and nutritional indices of both Tribolium species to D. tripetala, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane. According to LC50 values, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane were the most and least toxic to both beetles, respectively. With increasing extract concentrations, all nutritional indices except feeding deterrence decreased. Relative to controls, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane evoked the highest and least reduction, respectively, in beetles' nutritional indices. Treated corn discs deterred both species over treated wheat discs, regardless of insecticide type. T. castaneum had a higher overall food consumption than T. confusum. Regardless of insecticide type, the relative growth rate was higher in T. confusum and T. castaneum fed with treated corn and wheat discs, respectively. D. tripetala extract, linalool, and 2‐phenylnitroethane showed higher post‐ingestion toxicity to T. castaneum than T. confusum. This study emphasises the importance of certain intrinsic factors, like beetles' species and cereal food types, when managing Tribolium species with plant‐based insecticides. The various data obtained from this study will help researchers and pesticide manufacturers formulate effective biopesticides from linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane to control Tribolium species on corn and wheat flours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxic effects of 2, 4-dichlorophenol (2, 4-DCP) on aquatic organisms are well-established; however, the details regarding the mechanisms underlying the toxicity, especially immunotoxicity are poorly understood. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the histopathologic, oxidative stress and immunotoxic effects attributed to exposure to sublethal concentrations of 2,4-DCP in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Juvenile C. gariepinus were exposed to 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 mg/L 2, 4-DCP for 28 days after which blood and head kidney were extracted for the determination of various nonspecific innate immune parameters while the liver was excised for histopathology examination and measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers. Control fish were maintained in water spiked 10 µL/L ethanol, representing the solvent control. A significant increase was noted in the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase as well as in levels of lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner, with higher adverse effects observed at the highest concentration tested (1.6 mg/L). The total white blood cells (WBC) count was significantly elevated in fish exposed to 2,4-DCP compared to control. Myeloperoxidase content was decreased significantly in fish exposed to 2,4-DCP especially at the highest concentration (1.6 mg/L) compared to controls. The respiratory burst activity did not differ markedly amongst groups. Histopathological lesions noted included edema, leucocyte infiltration, and depletion of hemopoietic tissue in the head kidney of exposed fish. There was significant upregulation in the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) but downregulation of major histocompatibility complex 2 (MHC 2) in exposed fish. Data demonstrated that exposure to 2,4-DCP resulted in histopathological lesions, oxidative stress, and compromised immune system in C. gariepinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is one of the stable oxidation states of chromium that has been reported to elicit various toxic effects in aquatic organisms. However, the mechanisms of Cr6+ toxicity are still poorly understood. Thus, the present study investigated the tissue accumulation, cytotoxic, oxidative stress, and immunotoxic effects of Cr6+ in juvenile Clarias gariepinus. The fish were exposed to waterborne Cr6+ concentrations (0, 0.42, 0.84, and 1.68 mg/L) for 28 days, after which they were sacrificed and various organs were harvested for the determination of Cr6+ levels. Other parameters that were indicators of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and immunotoxicity were measured. Cr6+ accumulated more in the kidney and liver of the exposed fish, especially at the highest concentration. The levels of lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation increased significantly in the exposed fish. The activities of superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly in exposed fish compared to the control. The total white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils counts were significantly higher in the exposed fish compared to the control fish. The respiratory burst activity decreased significantly in the exposed fish while the myeloperoxidase content did not differ significantly. There were upregulations of TNF-α and HSP 70 while CYP II and MHC 2 were downregulated in the exposed fish. Also, exposure to Cr6+ resulted in various histopathological alterations in the architecture of the head kidney. The results indicate concentration-dependent toxic effects of Cr6+ in C. gariepinus. The study reveals the potentials of Cr6+ to accumulate in the different tissues of fish and caused cytotoxic, oxidative stress, and immunotoxic effects in the exposed fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is a staple grain cereal that is consumed worldwide for the supply of daily energy requirements. However, its infestation by the weevil, Sitophilus zeamais often results in both qualitative and quantitative losses, which must be managed effectively. The health hazards that are associated with the application of synthetic insecticides for the management of pest infestations of stored products have necessitated the continual sourcing of safer and affordable alternatives. Hence, a laboratory experiment was conducted to assess the effects of morphological, biophysical and some intrinsic factors in fifteen improved maize varieties on their susceptibility or otherwise resistance to infestation by the maize weevil, S. zeamais. Firstly, the morphological and biophysical characteristics of the maize varieties were determined. Copulating pairs of adult S. zeamais were placed in containers that contained undamaged maize grains for seven days to allow for oviposition, after which the adults were removed. Thereafter, the number of eggs laid and adults that emerged were counted. The susceptibility index of each maize variety was calculated from the data obtained from oviposition and adult emergence. Also, the proximate, elemental, and antinutrient compositions of the maize varieties were determined. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the size and hardness of seeds among the varieties with the size range of 0.78–0.95 cm3 while the hardness ranged from 17.43 N in SAMMAZ-15 F to 19.08 N in SAMMAZ-35. The maize varieties differed significantly with respect to proximate, elemental, and antinutrient compositions. The susceptibility of the seeds to infestations by S. zeamais differed significantly among the varieties and across the generations, with the potential for loss of resistant property during later generations. The data from the susceptibility index revealed that TZL COMP4, TZEE W POP and SAMMAZ-29 were the most resistant to infestations by S. zeamais. Although, several factors could have been responsible for the susceptibility or resistance of maize seed varieties to infestations by S. zeamais, however oviposition hardness and moisture were the most important factors in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic and natural insecticides have successfully controlled the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella Hübner). However, little is known about how Indian meal moth reacts in a stressed environment caused by synthetic and botanical insecticides. Therefore, this study compared the effects of dichlorvos (DDVP) and ginger (Zingiber officinale L.) rhizome extract oil on larval and adult mortality, hatchability and adult emergence, and on neurotransmitters and digestive enzymes of Indian meal moth under laboratory conditions of 75 ± 5% relative humidity and 25 ± 5 °C. The insects were exposed to different concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% of dichlorvos and ginger extract oil for 96 h. Ginger rhizome extract oil caused 100% mortality in newly emerged adult Indian meal moths within 96 h at all concentrations. DDVP and ginger extract oil were ineffective against the third instar larval stage of the Indian meal moth, at varying concentrations that caused adult mortality. DDVP and ginger rhizome extract oil significantly affected digestive enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activities at lethal concentrations used in treatment. Protease activity was significantly increased in larvae exposed to extract oil than DDVP. Acetylcholinesterase activities in the adult insects exposed to maize grains treated with DDVP were higher than those exposed to maize treated with ginger extract oil. DDVP and the ginger extract oil have significant effects on the digestive enzymes. Nevertheless, ginger extract oil increased larval protease activity more than DDVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increased application of chromium compounds in several fields has resulted in elevated levels of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) in the aquatic environment, thus creating the potential for bioaccumulation of Cr6+ in the tissues as well as eliciting various toxic effects in organisms. The present study investigated the effects of Cr6+ exposure on the tissue distribution, proximate composition, and histopathology of an aquatic mollusk, periwinkle (Littorina littorea). The animals were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cr6+ (0.42, 0.84, and 4.2 mg/L) for 30 days. Exposure to Cr6+ resulted in changes in the proximate composition and histological architecture of L. littorea. There was a low potential for bioaccumulation of Cr6+ in the tissue of L. littorea. Thus, its consumption did not pose any serious health risks to humans. The increased use of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) in various industrial applications has contributed to its elevated levels in the environment, especially the aquatic environment. Thus, there is the potential for accumulation of Cr6+ in the tissues of aquatic organisms and consequent toxic effects. The toxic effects of Cr6+ in aquatic organisms have been widely reported; however, little is known about the patterns of tissue accumulation of Cr6+ and its toxicity in aquatic mollusks. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of Cr6+ exposure on the tissue distribution, proximate composition, and histopathology of an aquatic mollusk, periwinkle (Littorina littorea). The animals were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cr6+ (0.42, 0.84, and 4.2 mg/L) for 30 days, after which the condition index, tissue accumulation, proximate composition, and histopathological effects were determined. The control animals were maintained in a medium that did not contain Cr6+ (0 mg/L). The condition index did not differ significantly among the groups. The levels of Cr6+ in the tissues differed significantly among the different tissue types while there was no significant effect of the exposure concentration, except in the foot tissue. The proximate parameters (protein, carbohydrates, lipid, crude fiber, and moisture contents) differed significantly among the groups. The protein contents of the exposed animals were significantly lower than those of the control animals and the histological architecture of the major organs was altered in the chromium-exposed animals. The findings from this study indicate a low potential of L. littorea to bioaccumulate Cr6+ in its tissues at the low exposure concentrations tested in this study; as such, its consumption may not pose any serious health risks to humans. However, changes in the proximate composition and histological architecture of the exposed L. littorea show that Cr6+ is potentially toxic to periwinkles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are routinely applied by cocoa farmers to enhance cocoa production, which is threatened by pest infestations and diseases. However, the undesired health implications of pesticide applications on the farmers are yet to be fully elucidated especially among cocoa farmers in Idanre despite being the hub of cocoa production in Southwestern Nigeria. This study assessed the extent of pesticide use by cocoa farmers in the study area and determined the effects of exposure on their health using haematological and biochemical parameters as indices. A cross-sectional survey comprising 150 cocoa farmers and 50 controls (artisans) was carried out using structured questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained from participants for the determination of copper and sulphate levels, haematological (haematocrit, red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelet counts) and biochemical (creatinine, cholesterol, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin) parameters. The blood levels of copper and sulphate were significantly higher in the cocoa farmers than in the controls. However, there was no significant difference between the subjects and controls for most of the haematological and biochemical parameters except for the platelet counts and total bilirubin levels. The data from the study did not suggest any serious health effects due to pesticide exposure on the cocoa farmers despite the high blood levels of copper and sulphate, probably due to exposure to copper-based fungicides. However, the high serum bilirubin level among the subjects was an indication of possible liver damage. As such, cocoa farmers should be guided against indiscriminate use of pesticides on their farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are legacy pollutants of considerable public health concern. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons arise from natural and anthropogenic sources and are ubiquitously present in the environment. Several PAHs are highly toxic to humans with associated carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Further, more severe harmful effects on human- and environmental health have been attributed to the presence of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs, that is PAHs with molecular mass greater than 300 Da. However, more research has been conducted using low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs). In addition, no HMW PAHs are on the priority pollutants list of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), which is limited to only 16 PAHs. However, limited analytical methodologies for separating and determining HMW PAHs and their potential isomers and lack of readily available commercial standards make research with these compounds challenging. Since most of the PAH kinetic data originate from animal studies, our understanding of the effects of PAHs on humans is still minimal. In addition, current knowledge of toxic effects after exposure to PAHs may be underrepresented since most investigations focused on exposure to a single PAH. Currently, information on PAH mixtures is limited. Thus, this review aims to critically assess the current knowledge of PAH chemical properties, their kinetic disposition, and toxicity to humans. Further, future research needs to improve and provide the missing information and minimize PAH exposure to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine the comparative toxicities and immune dysfunction in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) and its two analogues: bisphenol AP (BPAP) and bisphenol P (BPP). Juveniles of C. gariepinus were exposed to sublethal concentrations (70 and 140 μg/L) of BPA, BPAP and BPP for 7, 14 or 21 days after which various endpoints which are indicative of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and haematological and innate immune parameters were determined in the liver homogenates or blood plasma. The exposure of C. gariepinus to BPA and its analogues caused significant increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. The exposed fish had increased levels of DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, white blood cells, nitric oxide and respiratory burst, while the red blood cell counts and the percentage packed cell volume decreased significantly in the exposed fish compared to control. The toxic effects elicited by the bisphenols were both concentration- and duration-dependent. Generally, BPA exerted the most toxic effects on the fish, followed by BPAP, while BPP exerted the least toxic effects to C. gariepinus. Summarily, the findings indicated that BPA and its two analogues studied in the research are capable of causing cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in C. gariepinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenic enterobacterium, Serratia marcescens, is a potential fish pathogen having been isolated in fish culturing environments. However, information on its effects on the physiology of cultured fish species is scarce. This study therefore aimed at ascertaining the physiological status of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) that has been experimentally challenged with S. marcescens. Healthy juvenile C. gariepinus were experimentally challenged with either 1 × 104 CFU/ml or 5 × 104 CFU/ml inoculums of S. marcescens via oral gavage and the hematological (percentage packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC) counts, white blood cells (WBC), counts and differential leucocytes counts) and innate humoral (plasma levels of nitric oxide and respiratory burst) parameters were determined at 4 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 14 days post-challenge periods. The control fish were gavaged with distilled water. The bacterial-challenged fish had significantly higher WBC counts, and increased levels of plasma nitric oxide and respiratory burst while the RBC counts and the PCV decreased significantly in the bacterial-challenged fish compared to control. The response of the fish to bacterial challenge is both inoculum size- and duration-dependent. The incubation of C. gariepinus with 5 × 104 CFU/mL inoculums of S. marcescens elicited more effects in the fish compared to the control or 1 × 104 CFU/mL group. The results of this study showed that infection with S. marcescens has the potential to modulate the immune system of the fish with the inflammatory pathways playing an important role in the defense of the fish against bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infections have been associated with immune dysfunction and oxidative stress in cultured fish species while essential elements could boost immunity and exhibit antioxidant properties in fish. This study was therefore aimed at determining the effects of pre-treatment with waterborne selenium on humoral immunity and redox status of Clarias gariepinus experimentally challenged with Serratia marcescens. Juveniles C. gariepinus were pre-treated with 50 µg/L selenium for 14 days after which they were challenged with 5 × 103 CFU/mL of S. marcescens via oral gavage for 24 or 48 h. The control fish were not pre-treated with selenium and not challenged with bacteria. Thereafter, fish were sacrificed, blood collected into EDTA bottles for the determination of plasma nitric oxide levels and respiratory burst, and the liver excised for the determination of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Fish that were pre-treated with selenium prior to bacterial challenge (Sel + Bact) had decreased levels of nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation but a significant increase in the levels of reduced glutathione (at 48-h post-infection period only) compared to the fish challenged with bacteria without prior selenium pre-treatment (Bact). The respiratory burst and catalase activity decreased significantly in the Sel + Bact group especially at 48-h post-infection period while the activity of glutathione peroxidase increased significantly in the Sel + Bact group (at 24-h post-infection period only) compared to the Bact group. The results from this study showed that infection with S. marcescens is capable of disrupting the immune system and redox homeostasis in C. gariepinus, while pre-treatment with selenium has the ability to improve the physiological status of fish that were challenged with bacteria probably through its antioxidant properties. Highlight: The pre-treatment of Clarias gariepinus to waterborne selenium for 14 days improved the redox homeostasis and innate immunity of fish that were experimentally challenged with the bacterium, Serratia marcescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to perform a comparative evaluation of the toxic effects of selected botanical and synthetic insecticides on the subterranean termites, Macrotermes subhyalinus. Workers and soldiers of M. subhyalinus were exposed to various concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/ml) of the aqueous extracts of six plant materials; Anchomanes difformis (leaf, rhizome), Curcuma longa (rhizome), Tithonia diversifolia (leaf, root), and Zingiber officinale (rhizome) and termites' mortality were monitored at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exposure durations. Similarly, the termites were exposed to 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 % w/v of four synthetic insecticides; chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, cypermethrin and cyhalothrin. All the plant materials and synthetic insecticides exhibited termiticidal activity even at the lowest concentration tested. For the plant materials, the LD50 values were highest in the groups treated with T. diversifolia (root) for most of the exposure durations while the LD50 values were lowest in A. difformis (rhizome) group at most of the exposure durations. For the synthetic pesticides, the LD50 values were highest in in the groups treated with dichlorvos for most of the exposure durations while the LD50 values were lowest in cypermethrin group at most of the exposure durations. These data suggest that Anchomanes rhizome has the highest termiticide activity among plant materials while cypermethrin was the most potent of the four synthetic insecticides. The results of the present study indicated that all the screened plant materials produce termiticide activity comparable to those of synthetic termiticides, and are therefore potential candidates for termiticide formulation for incorporation into integrated management of termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a cosmopolitan insect pest that infests a wide range of milled cereal flours. In this study, the main and interactive effects of geographic origin and food type on the biological response of T. castaneum, and its susceptibility to the fumigant toxicity of sub‐lethal concentrations of Dennettia tripetala (G Baker) (Annonaceae) extract were investigated. The Nigeria and America (USA) strains of T. castaneum, used in this study, were maintained on corn (= maize) and wheat flours for four generations. This study was done under ambient laboratory conditions (23–35 °C and 65–85% r.h.). Irrespective of the food type, the larval, pupal, and adult stages were generally bigger in the America strain than in the Nigeria strain. The interaction of strain with food significantly affected the larval weight of T. castaneum. The larval periods and total developmental periods were significantly higher in both strains reared on corn than on wheat flour. However, only the food type significantly affected the pupal developmental periods. The insecticide susceptibility of larvae and adults of T. castaneum to D. tripetala extract was significantly higher in the strain from America than in the strain from Nigeria. Also, there were significant effects of food type and experimental concentration on the response of larvae and adults to D. tripetala extract. The extract was more toxic to adults than to larvae. Various results obtained in this study could provide data that are needed for the development of accurate phenology models for T. castaneum in Nigeria. Our study also underscores the significance of geographical strain and food type when managing T. castaneum with a plant‐based insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrochemicals including cypermethrin (cyp) and thiourea are increasingly being applied in modern agriculture, for pest control and to improve crop yield. However, their usage often results in serious environmental concerns. In this study, juvenile African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) were exposed to 50 µg/L cyp, 100 µg/L cyp, 0.05% thiourea, 50 µg/L cyp + 0.05% thiourea or 100 µg/L cyp + 0.05% thiourea, in a static renewal for 3 weeks, after which the fish were sacrificed, and the level of reduced glutathione and activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, protease and lipase were determined in the liver or intestinal homogenates. Also, the histopathology of some sections of the intestine was performed. The control fish were maintained in uncontaminated water (i.e. not exposed to cypermethrin or thiourea). The individual exposure of fish to cypermethrin and thiourea resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of GSH and the activities of most of the enzymes. These effects were more pronounced in fish that were exposed to cypermethrin and thiourea under a co-exposure scenario. The histological analyses of some sections of the intestine also revealed the toxicological effect of these agrochemicals, and their use led to visible intestinal pathologies such as severe erosion of the mucosa layer, faded lamina propria and disintegration of the muscle layer. The results of this study demonstrate that both cypermethrin and thiourea can alter the redox status and nutritional physiology of fish. The greater toxic effects of cypermethrin and thiourea under the co-exposure condition reiterated the potential for interactions and synergistic relationship among toxicants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical that has wide industrial applications, especially as a color developer in thermal papers. The present study focused on the determination of levels of BPA in thermal receipts collected from different locations in Akure, Nigeria, and the estimation of daily intake of BPA through dermal absorption. Thermal receipts were collected from different locations, and the levels of extracted BPA were determined using fluorescence spectroscopy. The daily intake of BPA was estimated, and the amount was compared with the reference value. BPA was detected in all the samples analyzed with levels ranging from 1.50 to 3.16 mg/g. These values were lower than the values detected in thermal receipts obtained from other countries. The estimated mean daily intakes of BPA by dermal absorption due to handling of thermal receipts were 0.20 and 9.89 μg/day for the general population and the occupationally exposed individuals, respectively, and were much lower than the reference value of 50 μg/kg bw/day provided by the European Food Safety Authority. This indicates that dermal exposure to BPA is not a serious health risk to the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of ultraviolet (UV) photooxidation of cypermethrin generating more toxic intermediates or isomers demands that studies that look at the effects of cypermethrin and UV irradiation under a coexposure scenario be carried out. In this study, juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were exposed to 50 µg/L cypermethrin, 100 µg/L cypermethrin, UV, 50 µg/L cypermethrin + UV or 100 µg/L cypermethrin + UV, in a static renewal for 3 weeks. The control fish were maintained in uncontaminated water, and not exposed to UV radiation. After the exposure duration, the fish were killed, and the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, protease, and lipase were determined in the liver or intestinal homogenates. Also, the histopathology of some sections of the intestine was performed. The results showed that the activities of the enzymes decreased significantly following exposure to cypermethrin while there was no change in the activities of the enzymes due to UV irradiation alone. The histopathological analyses indicated that exposure to cypermethrin caused alterations in the histoarchitecture of the fish such as severe erosion of the mucosa layer, faded lamina propria, and disintegration of the muscle layer. The exposure of fish to both cypermethrin and UV irradiation caused significant decrease in the activities of the enzymes. This could be an indication that UV irradiation has the tendency to potentiate cypermethrin‐induced toxicity in fish. Research Highlights: The exposure of C. gariepinus to cypermethrin caused significant decrease in the activities of important metabolic enzymes, and altered the histoarchitecture of the intestine. UV exposure potentiated cypermethrin‐induced toxic effects in the fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building of additional transmission network to meet the demand of the everincreasing load is expensive, and time consuming. An alternative to constructing new lines is the incorporation of the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS); in which a Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is a member of the ménage, which can be modelled as a combination of Static Var Compensator and Thyristor Control Series Compensator. This study determines the optimal location of the UPFC by randomly adding loads to the existing transmission network until the Fast Voltage Stability Index of one of the lines is at a critical point. This is the vital line in which UPFC components are added. The sizing of the components of the UPFC is determined using Artificial Bee Colony algorithm. The IEEE 30-bus network is exploited as the test bed. The results obtained reveal that the optimal positioning and sizing of the UPFC for the purpose of maximizing loadability of the grid when load angles are assumed to be negligible are the same as when the load angles are considered. The loadability of the test bed when UPFC is not injected in the grid is 440.376 MW, whereas, it is 837.915 MW when the UPFC is optimally located and sized; and this represents 90.27 %. The sizes of the shunt and series components of the UPFC that assist in realizing this maximization are -0.2780 pu and 0.1000 pu respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic nanoparticles such as silver (Ag NPs) and iron oxide (Fe3O4 NPs) nanoparticles are high production volume materials due to their applications in various consumer products, and in nanomedicine. However, their inherent toxicities to human cells remain a challenge. The present study was aimed at combining lipidomics data with common phenotypically-based toxicological assays to gain better understanding into cellular response to Ag NPs and Fe3O4 NPs exposure. HepG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml) of the nanoparticles for 24 h, after which they were assayed for toxic effects using toxicological assays like cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, apoptosis and oxidative stress. The cell membrane phospholipid profile of the cells was also performed using shotgun tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that nanoparticles exposure resulted in concentration-dependent cytotoxicity as well as reduced cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI). Also, there was an increase in the production of ROS and superoxide anions in exposed cells compared to the negative control. The lipidomics data revealed that nanoparticles exposure caused a modulation of the phospholipidome of the cells. A total of 155 lipid species were identified, out of which the fold changes of 23 were significant. The high number of differentially changed phosphatidylcholine species could be an indication that inflammation is one of the major mechanisms of toxicity of the nanoparticles to the cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses caregivers (CGs) are critical to the care and recovery of stroke survivors (SSs), in the community. Topics include the instruments used including sociodemographic Clinical Questionnaires , the Zarit Burden Interview and the World Health Organization QoL‑BREF scale; and caregiver burden refers to alterations in CGs emotional and physical health that occuring when care demands outweigh available resources.

Anchomanes difformis is a rhizomatous herb that is commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. However, there are reports of its toxicity to animals at certain concentrations. The present study was therefore designed to study the potential toxic effects of A. difformis on the liver and kidney of Wistar rats by using various biochemical indices and histopathology. The rats were divided into five groups (I-V) and were treated as follows: group I (negative control); groups II, III, and IV had 1, 2.5, and 5% of A. difformis respectively included in their diets; and group V (positive control) had 5% permethrin in their diets. The experimental treatment lasted 30 days after which the animals were sacrificed, and the blood collected for the determination of serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, and creatinine. The liver and kidney were excised for histopathological and biochemical analyses. The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine were significantly higher in rats that were maintained on diets that contained 5% A. difformis and 5% permethrin compared to those maintained on basal diets, 1 or 2.5% A. difformis. On the other hand, the liver and kidney levels of AST, ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine were significantly lower in rats that were maintained on diets that contained 5% A. difformis and 5% permethrin compared to those maintained on basal diets, 1 or 2.5% A. difformis. Also, maintenance of rats on diets that contained 5% A. difformis and 5% permethrin resulted in apparent damage to the liver and kidney. This study has shown the level of safety of A. difformis on mammals; it is both hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at high levels; therefore, caution must be applied when using the plant as herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) are toxic elements widely distributed in the environment. Exposure to these elements was attributed to produce several acute and chronic illnesses including hypertension. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the most frequently proposed mechanisms underlying hypertension associated with As, Cd, and Hg exposure including: oxidative stress, impaired nitric oxide (NO) signaling, modified vascular response to neurotransmitters and disturbed vascular muscle Ca2+ signaling, renal damage, and interference with the renin-angiotensin system. Due to the complexity of the vascular system, a combination rather than a singular mechanism needs to be considered. In addition, epidemiological findings showing the relationship between various biomarkers of metal exposure and hypertension are described. Given the complex etiology of hypertension, further epidemiological studies evaluating the roles of confounding factors such as age, gender, and life style are still necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) has resulted in their elevated concentrations in the environment. This study was, therefore, aimed at determining the distribution, redox parameters, and genotoxic effects in male Wistar rats that were treated with either AgNP or TiO2NP individually, as well as under a co-exposure scenario. Animals were exposed via oral gavage to either sodium citrate buffer (vehicle), 0.5 mg/kg/day TiO2NP, 0.5 mg/kg/day AgNP or a mixture of TiO2NPs and AgNPs. Exposure lasted 45 days after which rats were sacrificed, and tissue biodistribution of Ag and Ti measured. The blood concentration of glutathione (GSH) and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were determined while the genotoxicity was analyzed using the comet assay in peripheral blood and liver cells. The tissue concentrations of Ag followed the order; blood > liver > kidneys while for Ti the order was kidneys > liver > blood. There was no significant change in the measured redox parameters in animals that were exposed to TiO2NPs. However, there was a significant increase in GSH levels accompanied by a reduction in the GPx activity in AgNP-treated and co-exposed groups. The individual or co-exposure to TiO2NP and AgNP did not markedly induce genotoxicity in blood or liver cells. Data showed that TiO2NP did not produce significant oxidative stress or genotoxicity in rats at the dose used in this study while the same dose level of AgNPs resulted in oxidative stress, but no noticeable adverse genotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of four tropical plant (Aframomum melegueta, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Piper guineense and Eugenia aromatica) were investigated under tropical laboratory storage conditions for the protection of cowpea seeds against insect infestation. The plant materials were pulverised into fine powder after air drying and admixed with 20 g of cowpea seeds at the rates of 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g in 125 ml plastic containers for contact toxicity experiment and 0.5 g of each plant powder to 50 g cowpea seeds for the fumigant toxicity experiment. Ten unsexed Callosobruchus maculatus were used for contact toxicity experiment, while two copulating pairs of C. maculatus were used for fumigant toxicity experiment. Callosobruchus maculatus response to the plant powders was recorded at 24 and 48 hrs post treatment for contact toxicity bioassay, while observation for fumigant activity was recorded at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs after treatment. All plant powders significantly (P < 0.05) exerted adult mortality in relations to dosage and exposure time. Cowpea seeds treated with 0.5g of E. aromatica had highest mortality of 90% and 100% at 24 and 48 hrs after exposure respectively for contact toxicity, while A. melegueta recorded the highest adult mortality for all exposure periods for the fumigant toxicity. The insects' reactions to the plant powders admixed with cowpea seeds were restlessness, loss of coordination, knock-down and eventual death. The study indicated that the plant powders could be used as suitable alternative to synthetic insecticides to suppress C. maculatus infestation in stored cowpea seeds among the resource-poor farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined concentrations and speciation of arsenic (As) in rice samples obtained from the cities of Akure, Ore, Ondo and Ikare in Ondo State, south-western Nigeria. The estimated dietary intake of As from rice consumption for total As and the identified As species were compared with the As benchmark dose lower confidence limit. Analyses of rice from the four cities identified three As species: inorganic As, monomethylarsonic, acid and dimethylarsinic acid. Concentrations of total As and the As species differed significantly across the sampling locations (by a factor of 2.5 for total As). Mean levels (±S.D.) were 58.8 ± 0.7 µg/kg total As, 47.0 ± 0.6 µg/kg inorganic As, 0.33 ± 0.03 µg/kg monomethylarsonic acid, and 11.5 ± 0.1 µg/kg dimethylarsinic acid. The estimated mean dietary intakes were 4.1 µg/d total As, 3.3 µg/d inorganic As, 0.02 µg/d monomethylarsonic acid, and 0.8 µg/d dimethylarsinic acid. These values are below the benchmark dose lower confidence limit and comparable to, or lower than, those reported for other countries. Thus, consumption of rice cultivated in south-western Nigeria does not appear to have inherent As-associated health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of anxiety disorders among women with breast cancer has been linked with delay in diagnosis, treatment abandonment, and poor quality of life. This study investigated anxiety disorders with their determinants among 200 participants with histological diagnosis of breast cancer. A questionnaire was designed to elicit sociodemographic and clinical factors, while the schedule for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry (SCAN) was used to ascertain the presence of anxiety disorders. The mean age of participants was 49.6 years (SD = 11.2) and more than half (54%) presented with advanced cancers (stages 3 and 4). Anxiety disorder was observed in 38 (19%) of the participants. Low income, absence of previous history of breast cancer, and early stage of breast cancer were the significant determinants of anxiety disorders (p< 0.05). However, only absence of previous history of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 3.460, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.200–6.960) and early stage of breast cancer (OR = 1.560, 95% CI = 1.120–2.174) were the determinants of anxiety disorders following logistic regression. We advocate for public awareness to promote early screening. Similarly, there is need to improve access to care and integrate culturally appropriate psychosocial intervention into breast cancer care using the available knowledge on vulnerability factors. Further study on anxiety disorders in breast cancer is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a globally prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder for which early diagnosis and intervention is the mainstay of management. In the African continent, limited data is available regarding the non-clinic based samples. Lack of information available to caregivers and inadequate skilled manpower often limit early detection and access to the few available though under resourced services in the community. Community based screening can be an important drive to create awareness and improve information dissemination regarding services available for those living with this disorder. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing data obtained from participants of a community-based autism screening exercise. The surveillance exercise was part of the annual Orange Ribbon initiative for autism awareness and screening held in 2014. Data was obtained from 85 participants involved in the Autism Surveillance screening exercise within the Lagos community. Community public service radio announcements state wide and word of mouth were used to invite and enroll eligible participants to the screening and consultation exercise. A second stage screening and a brief sociodemographic questionnaire followed by a third stage clinical interview and evaluation using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 Edition (DSM 5) were used. Appropriate consultation and referrals to services in the community were given. Participants had a mean age of 7.53 years (SD 4.35). Twenty-nine (34.5%) met the diagnosis of ASD. Other diagnosis included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), language and speech disorder, intellectual disability (8.3%) and learning disorders (9.5%). Main health concerns to caregivers were poor language development in all (100%), of which 11 (40.7%) were non-verbal; gaze avoidance was seen in 14 (48.3%) and challenging behavior in 12 (42.9%). Comorbidities included seizure disorders (3.4%) and ADHD (6.9%). Persons with autism had history of ASD behavior more often when compared to the other neurodevelopmental disorders and these findings were statistically significant. Referrals were given to caregivers to engage in services within the community. As seen in this study, community understanding of ASD is poor in such locations, in which many persons with other neurodevelopmental disorders are often presented as having autism. Caregivers in the study location are distressed by many symptoms associated with autism and their comorbid conditions. Currently there is an evident role for frequent large scale community based screening and autism awareness exercises possibly using inter-sectoral collaboration as a strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, levels and estimated daily intake (EDI) of two toxic elements, Cd and Pb, and eight essential elements: Ca, P, Zn, Mn, Co, Cu, Se and Mo, were determined in Nigerian rice samples. The mean levels of Cd, Pb and Co were 5.43 ± 0.88, 38.66 ± 5.42, 25.8 ± 3.18 ng/g. The mean levels of Ca, P, Zn, Mn, Cu, Se and Mo were 71.5 ± 7.31, 951 ± 52.0, 10.2 ± 0.63, 8.5 ± 0.47, 3.07 ± 0.18, 40.1 ± 9.2 and 0.39 ± 0.05 µg/g, respectively. The percentage contribution to the reference values for each element was 0.54, 7.71, 0.38, 9.51, 8.97, 31.3, 30.7, 5.1 and 60.7% for Cd, Pb, Ca, P, Zn, Mn, Cu, Se and Mo, respectively. The elemental nutrient levels in Nigerian rice samples are comparable to those obtained from other regions and their consumption does not pose any serious health risk to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that is widely used by metallurgical industries such as car battery recycling. Exposure to the metal may modify the redox status of the cells and consequently result in changes in activities of important enzymes such as delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Similarly, genetic polymorphisms may modulate the activities of enzymes related to detoxification processes of the metal and may modify Pb body burden. Therefore, the aims of the present study were (i) to evaluate the correlation between blood lead levels (BLL) and activities of the enzymes ALAD and GPx, and (ii) to determine whether activities of these enzymes may be influenced by polymorphisms inALADandGPxgenes in Brazilian automotive battery workers chronically exposed to Pb, as well as the effects of these polymorphisms on BLL. Our study included 257 participants; BLL were determined by inductively couple plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the activities of the enzymes ALAD and GPx were quantified spectrophotometrically; and genotyping ofALAD(rs1800435) andGPx-1(rs1800668) polymorphisms was performed by TaqMan assays (real-time polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR). Significant negative correlations were found between BLL and ALAD activity. Subjects who carried at least one polymorphic allele forALADgene displayed markedly lower ALAD activities, while no significant effect was observed regardingGPx-1polymorphism and activity of the same enzyme. Further,ALADandGPx-1polymorphisms exerted no marked influence on BLL. Taken together, our results showed that BLL affected ALAD but not GPx activities, and these were not modulated by polymorphisms inALADandGPxgene. Further, the rs1800435 SNP showed a tendency to modulate ALAD activity, while the rs1800668 SNP did not modulate GPx activity in Brazilian automotive battery workers exposed to Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: By September 2014, an outbreak of Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) in West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Nigeria, had recorded over 4500 and 2200 probable or confirmed cases and deaths respectively. EVD, an emerging infectious disease, can create fear and panic among patients, contacts and relatives, which could be a risk factor for psychological distress. Psychological distress among this subgroup could have public health implication for control of EVD, because of potential effects on patient management and contact tracing. We determined the Prevalence, pattern and factors associated with psychological distress among survivors and contacts of EVD and their relatives. Methods: In a descriptive cross sectional study, we used General Health Questionnaire to assess psychological distress and Oslo Social Support Scale to assess social support among 117 participants who survived EVD, listed as EVD contacts or their relatives at Ebola Emergency Operation Center in Lagos, Nigeria. Factors associated with psychological distress were determined using chi square/odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio. Results: The mean age and standard deviation of participants was 34 +/ - 9.6 years. Of 117 participants, 78 (66.7 %) were females, 77 (65.8 %) had a tertiary education and 45 (38.5 %) were health workers. Most frequently occurring psychological distress were inability to concentrate (37.6 %) and loss of sleep over worry (33.3 %). Losing a relation to EVD outbreak (OR = 6.0, 95 % CI, 1.2-32.9) was significantly associated with feeling unhappy or depressed while being a health worker was protective (OR = 0.4, 95 % CI, 0.2-0.9). Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) showed losing a relation (AOR = 5.7, 95 % CI, 1.2-28.0) was a predictor of "feeling unhappy or depressed", loss of a relation (AOR = 10.1, 95 % CI, 1.7-60.7) was a predictor of inability to concentrate. Conclusions: Survivors and contacts of EVD and their relations develop psychological distress. Development of psychological distress could be predicted by loss of family member. It is recommended that psychiatrists and other mental health specialists be part of case management teams. The clinical teams managing EVD patients should be trained on recognition of common psychological distress among patients. A mental health specialist should review contacts being monitored for EVD for psychological distress or disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paucity of information on suicide and its related issues among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can impair evidence guided intervention. This study was set to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and the associated risk factors among PLWHA. A total of 295 participants made up of HIV positive individuals were subjected to a sociodemographic/clinical profile questionnaire. This was followed by the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), suicidal intention item from the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL)—Bref scale to assess emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and quality of life respectively. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among PLWHA was 13.6%; and being unmarried, poor medication adherence, and poorer quality of life were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with suicidal ideation; while unemployment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.200; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.084–0.476; P < 0.001), emotional distress (OR = 5.734; 95% CI = 2.119–15.519; P—0.001), religion (OR = 4.829; 95% CI = 1.639–14.231; P—0.004), HIV status non-disclosure (OR = 2.630; 95% CI = 1.015–6.809; P—0.046) and previous suicidal attempt (OR = 0.172, 95% CI = 0.042–0.705; P—0.014) were not only associated but predictive of suicidal ideation in PLWHA. These findings indicate a significant burden of suicidal ideation, and psychosocial with clinical factors constitute identifiable risk factors among PLWHA. The development of evidence guided preventive and treatment measures against suicide among PLWHA are implied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarias gariepinus were challenged with one of the following treatments: 1 × 10 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml of Escherichia coli (EC1), 2 × 10 CFU/ml of E. coli (EC2), 1 × 10 CFU/ml of Vibrio fischeri (V1), 2 × 10 CFU/ml of V. fischeri (V2), gavaged with distilled water (CW), and not gavaged (C). Fish inoculation with bacteria was done via oral gavage. Fish were maintained in the laboratory for 7 days after the bacterial inoculation, after which various hematological parameters such as percentage packed cell volume (PCV), percentage red blood cell lysis, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and differential white blood cell counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils) were determined. Fish challenged with bacteria have a significantly reduced percentage PCV but a significantly higher percentage of red blood cell lysis, WBC counts, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils compared to the controls. In all cases, effects tend to be strongly dependent on the CFU of the bacteria with effects generally more pronounced in fish infected with 2 × 10 CFU/ml of either E. coli or V. fischeri. The results of this study indicate that the health status of C. gariepinus is seriously compromised by bacterial infection, and hematological parameters are reliable enough in the assessment and quick diagnosis of the health status of fish infected with bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Little is known about the factors associated with depression among elderly Nigerians despite research evidence suggesting that some correlates of depression may be important in early detection, treatment and prognosis. This study aimed to determine the correlates of depression among a community based elderly population. Methods: The study population made up of 350 consenting participants was selected using multistage stratified random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among the participants using a research instrument consisting of two parts: a self-designed questionnaire to elicit their socio-demographic profile, level of social support as well as their health status and the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale to diagnose depression using cut-off score ≥11. Both the English and Yoruba versions of the study instruments were used depending on the level of education of the participants. Results: Depression was found to be associated with being younger old (χ2 = 6.19, p = 0.045), prolonged stay in current residence (χ2 = 6.62, p = 0.01), living in less developed area of the community and not having children (χ2 = 0.03, p = 0.01), while higher social support (χ2 = 4.19, p = 0.041) seems protective. However, only low social support (odds ratio [OR] = 0.573; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.330−0.994; p = 0.048), living in less developed area (OR = 5.342; 95% CI = 1.027, 27.776; p = 0.046) and prolonged stay in current residence (OR = 0.407; 95% CI = 0.205, 0.806; p = 0.01) independently predicted depression in participants. Conclusion: To enhance early detection and treatment of depressive disorders in the elderly, physicians should be alert to the diagnosis of depression in late life, especially among the younger old, elderly not having children, those with low social support as well as prolonged stay in a residence and living in less developed parts of the community. Further research is needed to shed light on the intriguing link between depression and associated factors in geriatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, juvenile catfish ( Clarias gariepinus) were exposed to 2 mg/L Pb, 0.5 μg/L cypermethrin, or both for 96 h. Survival ranged from 100 % in both treatments without cypermethrin, to 50 % in fish exposed to cypermethrin only or the mixture. There were significant decreases in liver lysozyme, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alanine aminotransferase activities in fish exposed to cypermethrin or the mixture. Liver aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) showed a significant reduction after exposure to Pb or cypermethrin alone, and the effect of the mixture on AST was additive or potentially synergistic. Liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) was increased in fish exposed to the mixture compared to those exposed to cypermethrin only, indicating that Pb presence enhanced LPO caused by cypermethrin. Our study demonstrates the potential for toxic interaction between Pb and cypermethrin in fish and suggests that due to the varying responses to contaminant mixtures in our study, researchers should consider using a variety of biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos are broad-spectrum insecticides routinely used as household and agricultural insecticides. Since aquatic environments serve as sinks for numerous environmental pollutants, the effects of these substances on the resident aquatic organisms can be quite serious. In this study, we investigated the effects of exposure of African catfish to cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos on oxidative damage and the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST). Juvenile African catfish were exposed to 1.25 μg/L cypermethrin, 1.25 μg/L chlorpyrifos, 2.5 μg/L cypermethrin or 2.5 μg/L chlorpyrifos for 96 h. Control fish were maintained in borehole water. At the end of the 96 h exposure, tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonylation and GST activities were determined. Contaminant exposure resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of LPO and protein carbonylation and the activity of GST in the gills, liver and muscle of exposed fish compared to the controls. Oxidative damage was more serious in the groups exposed to chlorpyrifos compared to those exposed to cypermethrin, thus implying that chlorpyrifos is more toxic to these fish than cypermethrin. The results of this study indicate that the pollution of aquatic ecosystems with cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos may cause oxidation of biomolecules (lipids and proteins) that are involved in essential physiological and biochemical activities in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing evidence from research supports the desirability of integration of mental health services into HIV care in order to mitigate the grave consequences of unattended mental health morbidity among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study aims to find out the burden and pattern of psychiatric disorders that is prevalent among HIV-positive individuals attending a Nigerian-based HIV clinic. The study participants, consisting of 295 HIV-positive adults were recruited using systematic random sampling method. The participants were subjected to questionnaire to elicit demographic profile and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) to screen for probable psychiatric disorders. This was followed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Non patient (SCID-NP) to diagnose the presence of psychiatric morbidity in any of the participant with a GHQ-28 score ≥5 and 10% of those with GHQ-28 score <5. Data were analyzed with SPSS 17. Of the 295 participants interviewed, approximately one-quarter (25.1%) of the participants had diagnosable psychiatric illness based on SCID-NP. Depression was the commonest mental disorder detected as 44 (14.9%) met the DSM-IV Axis 1 diagnosis of major depressive disorders. Anxiety disorders, concurrent Nicotine with Alcohol dependence and cannabis abuse were elicited in 24 (8.1%), 4 (1.3%), and 2 (0.7%) participants, respectively. This study finds a higher burden of psychiatric disorders in PLWHA in comparison to what is obtainable in the general population based on previous research works in similar context. Thus further underscores the need for integration of comprehensive psychiatric services into HIV care. We advocate the support and commitment of key stakeholders in HIV care to the translation of this research-based evidence into practice among PLWHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is a widely cultured fish species in many African countries because of its rich nutritional quality. In this study, the impacts of exposure to common environmental contaminants; a heavy metal (Lead) and a pyrethroid insecticide (Cypermethrin) on the biochemical contents of C. gariepinus was investigated. Juveniles of C. gariepinus were exposed to borehole water (control), 2 mg/L Pb, 0.5 µg/L cypermethrin or 2 mg/L Pb + 0.5 µg/L cypermethrin for 96 h after which the total protein levels, glycogen contents and total cholesterol in the liver and muscle were determined. Fish exposure to cypermethrin and a mixture of cypermethrin and Pb resulted in a significant decrease in glycogen and protein levels but a significant increase in the cholesterol levels in liver and muscle (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the control and the group exposed to 2 mg/L Pb. The glycogen and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the liver in groups exposed to cypermethrin and the mixture of cypermethrin and Pb (p < 0.05) while the total protein levels were higher in the muscle, although this difference was not statistically significant. The results of this study suggest that environmental pollution of aquatic environments have adverse effects on the health of resident fish as well as other aquatic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The sheepshead minnow ( Cyprinodon variegatus) is able to withstand a wide range of salinities. Salinity acclimation involves physiological and biochemical changes, which may influence how organisms respond to a stressor. The present study investigated effects of salinity acclimation on subsequent Cu toxicity. In experiment 1, fish were acclimated to a hyposmotic, isosmotic, or hyperosmotic salinity for 14 d and then exposed at these salinities to 16.6 µM Cu2+ for 12 h. Survival differed during this Cu challenge; fish acclimated to 2.5 ppt salinity were much more sensitive to Cu than those acclimated to 10.5 or 18.5 ppt seawater. In experiment 2, fish were exposed to 14.6 µM Cu2+ for 6 h after the 14-d salinity acclimation. Whole-body Cu, whole-body Na, liver lipid peroxidation (LPO), liver catalase activity, and liver glucose levels were determined before and after Cu exposure. Prior to Cu exposure, the acclimation groups differed only for liver glucose levels, which were higher in the 2.5 ppt acclimated fish than in the others. These same 2.5 ppt acclimated fish were markedly affected by Cu, having increased whole-body Cu and liver LPO and decreased whole-body Na levels. Copper exposure had generally insignificant effects for the 10.5 ppt and the 18.5 ppt acclimated fish. This study showed that even in euryhaline fish, salinity acclimation can have a drastic effect on Cu toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1573-1578. © 2012 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background . The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in nursing homes, which has not been studied before in Nigeria, is the subject of this cross-sectional study. Method . Psychiatric disorders were assessed in 23 of the 29 residents of the two nursing homes in Lagos and diagnoses based on DSM-III-R criteria (APA, 1987) and AGECAT (Copeland et al. , 1986) were made independently. Results . The commonest diagnoses were dementia in 11 out of 23 residents and depression in four residents. Overall prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders was 74%. Conclusion . The present prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders is similar to those reported in similar institutions in the industrialized societies. This has implications for the care of the elderly in a non-industrialized society. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the spermatogenic effect of honey for testosterone production, the use of garlic and ginger as natural food preservatives and the aquatic environmental pollutants.