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Banana orchards in arid and semiarid regions require the use of irrigation. However, the presence of high concentration of salts in water can impair the development of plants, requiring the evaluation of new technologies to mitigate the effects of stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate gas exchange and leaf area in banana seedlings of the cultivar Prata Catarina inoculated with strains of Bacillus spp. under different electrical conductivities of irrigation water. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry, Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil. The design used was in randomized blocks, in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with the first factor being the inoculation treatments: without any application; slow-release fertilizer; Strain 186 and Strain 109, and the second factor being the electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.5; 1.5; 3.0; 4.5 dS m-1), in five blocks and each plot consisting of three plants. The electrical conductivity of irrigation water negatively influenced the gas exchange of banana cv. Prata Catarina in the vegetative stage, during the 89 days of cultivation. The Bacillus spp. strains 186 and 109 did not improve the gas exchange and leaf area of plants under salinity conditions.

The DNA fingerprinting techniques, 16S-restriction fragment length polymorphism (16S-RFLP), ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) and repetitive extragenic palindrome PCR (Rep-PCR), were used for analyzing the bacterial communities of seven pulp and paper wastewater treatment systems. All three methods generate DNA fingerprints that can be compared using the computer-assisted program, Gelcompar©. Community similarity coefficients were based on quantitative determinations of both the positions of the DNA bands and the band intensities in order to compare the relative differences in the populations. Unique 16S-RFLP DNA fingerprints were observed for each mill suggesting that individual mills contained phylogenetically different communities. However this method was not sensitive enough to detect differences within a mill treatment system from different locations or from different sampling times. The RISA method, which generated more complex fingerprints than 16S-RFLP, could, for some mills, discern differences between samples. The Rep-PCR technique, however, showed the highest degree of resolution and produced not only distinct patterns for each mill but also distinct fingerprints for the temporal and spatial samples from some of the treatment systems. The sensitivity of this method might potentially be used to monitor the stability of the bacterial community within a secondary treatment system.

Colletotrichum is one of the most economically important fungal genera, which affects a wide range of hosts, specifically tropical and subtropical crops. Thus far, there have been several records of mycovirus infection in Colletotrichum spp., primarily by viruses of the Partitiviridae family. There have also been records of infections by mycoviruses of the Chrysoviridae family. Mycoviruses are (+)ssRNA and dsRNA genome viruses, which may or may not be enveloped. To date, no mycovirus with a DNA genome has been isolated from Colletotrichum spp. Typically, mycoviruses cause latent infections, although hypo- and hypervirulence have also been reported in Colletotrichum spp. In addition to its effects on pathogenic behavior, mycovirus infection can lead to important physiological changes, such as altered morphological characteristics, reduced vegetative growth, and suppressed conidia production. Therefore, research on mycoviruses infecting phytopathogenic fungi can help develop alternative methods to chemical control, which can cause irreversible damage to humans and the environment. From an agricultural perspective, mycoviruses can contribute to sustainable agriculture as biological control agents via changes in fungal physiology, ultimately resulting in the total loss of or reduction in the virulence of these pathogens.

Aim: To investigate the early growth response of Morinda citrifolia to varying levels of Aleshinloye compost and N:P:K 15:15:15 in a degraded Alfisol in a tropical Nigerian environmental condition. Study Design: The study was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with twelve (12) treatments replicated six (6) times with a total of seventy two (72) experimental units. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the greenhouse of Soil and tree Nutrition department of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria Ibadan (FRIN) and it lasted for a period of 6 month. Methodology: Degraded top soil used for the experiment was collected within FRIN arboretum. The soil was air dried and passed through a 2 mm diameter sieve before being filled into polythene pots of 15 cm x 20 cm dimension having a 3 kg soil capacity. The organic fertilizer was applied at 4 weeks before transplanting while the inorganic fertilizer was applied at 2 weeks after transplanting and pre-germinated seedlings of Noni were transplanted at four leaves stage. The data collected include Stem Girth (mm), plant height (cm) and Number of leaves starting from 30 Days After Transplanting (DAT). Results: The result revealed that the soil sample used for this study had pH value of 6.06 and the total N value of 0.11%. Noni plant with treatment T11 (N:P:K 15:15:15 at 80 Kg Nha-1 + Aleshiloye compost (AC) at 80 Kg Nha-1) had the highest plant height values of 48.17, 65.67 and 77.87 cm respectively which are significantly higher (P = .05) than T1 (control) with 37.17, 47.50 and 55.33 cm respectively that are the least values observed from 120 DAT to 180 DAT. The Plant Dry Matter (PDM) for leaves, stem and root (3.593, 2.720 and 4.220 g/plant) respectively from the control (T1) plant was the least when compared to every other treatment in the study. Conclusion: The use of composted manure in combination with N:P:K 15:15:15 ensured early and continuous supply of nutrient with resultant higher growth performance of Noni over a period of six months as shown in the study.

Background: Combretum platypterum is used ethno-medically in the treatment many diseases in Africa, such as; helminthiasis, sexually transmitted diseases, conjunctivitis, malaria, lumps, fever, eye problems, diarrhea, lower backache, coughs, swellings, as febrifuge, tonic, and to stop post-partum bleeding. Aim: This work was aimed at investigating the phytochemical, proximate, anti malarial, anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti fungal activities of leaf extracts of Combretum platypterum. Methods: Leaves of C. platypterum were cold extracted with methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane. The extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical analyses, proximate, anti malarial, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial tests. Results: The results revealed that, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, resins and reducing sugars were found in all the extracts. It was also observed that the presence of the metabolites in each extract was in polarity-dependent manner. The percentage composition of carbohydrates was also the highest followed by the composition of proteins. The suppressions of the extracts against P. falciparum at half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 mg/ml) were found to be higher than that of chloroquine at IC50 µg/ml. It was also found that methanol extract had the highest inhibition against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. K. pneumonia was resistant to the inhibition of the extracts. The anti inflammatory assays showed that methanol extracts at 500 mg/ml exhibited higher lipoxygenase Inhibition than diclofenac at 500 µg/ml. Ethyl acetate extract showed highest inhibition of heat-induced hemolysis, protein denaturation and proteinase among all the extracts. Conclusion: The therapeutic use of the leaves of C. platypterum against malaria and swelling was confirmed by the activities of the extracts against inflammation and P. falciparum. It is also necessary that the bioactive compounds responsible for these activities be isolated.

Aim: To assess the phytoremediation potential of Cyperus esculentus and Phyllanthus amarus in crude oil polluted soil and ascertain the enhancement of augmented microbes (fungi). Study Design: The study employs experimental design, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: Rivers State University demonstration farmland in Nkpolu- Oroworukwo, Mile 3 Diobu area of Port Harcourt, was used for this study. The piece of land is situated at Longitude 4°48’18.50” N and Latitude 6ᵒ58’39.12” E measuring 5.4864 m x 5.1816 m with a total area of 28.4283 square meter. Phytoremediation process monitoring lasted for 240 days, analyses were carried out weekly at 30 days’ interval. Methodology: Seven (7) experimental plots (two Control (Unpolluted and polluted soil) and five polluted amended/treated plots) employing Randomized Block Design (each having dimensions: 100 x 50 x 30 cm LxBxH) were formed and mapped out on agricultural soil and left fallow for 6 days before contamination on the seventh day; after which it was allowed for 21 days for proper contamination and exposure to natural environmental factors (to mimic soil crude oil spill site); thereafter bioaugmenting organisms were applied. Baseline studies were carried out on the top soil before and after contamination, major parameters monitored and assessed were Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) uptake by plant roots and stem, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) and TPH reduction in soil. Other physicochemical analyzed in the soil of different plots were pH, Electrical Conductivity, Moisture Content, Total Nitrogen, Available Phosphorus, Potassium, Total Organic Carbon, Plant Height, Iron, Lead at regular intervals; days 1, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 & 240. Application of augmenting organisms was to enhance phytoremediation by test plant Cyperus esculentus (Cyp) and Phyllanthus amarus (Phy). The rate of phytoremediation was estimated from percentage (%) uptake of Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in plant roots and stem from day 1 -240; while percentage (%) reduction of TPH and PAHs in soil was estimated from day 1 to the residual at day 240. Results: The test plants decreased significant amount of crude oil as revealed in TPH uptake in their roots and Stem. Mean amount and percentage Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) uptake by Cyperus esculentus roots and stem were; 152.33±50.34mg/kg, 12.57±4.16% and 201.13±8.80mg/kg, 13.27±0.58% respectively; while that of Phyllanthus amarus roots and stem were 141.50±35.62mg/kg, 11.68±2.94% and 174.44±19.98mg/kg, 11.51±1.32% respectively. Similar trend was observed in the control plots were TPH uptake by Cyperus esculentus roots and stem were; 24.2mg/kg, 2.00% and 20.01mg/kg, 1.32% respectively while in control plot of Phyllanthus amarus TPH uptake by roots and stem were 23.19mg/kg, 1.91% and 19.80mg/kg, 1.31% respectively. Comparatively, uptake of TPH was higher in plant stem than roots. From the initial TPH contamination value of 5503.00mg/kg , Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Reduction and % Hydrocarbon Reduction in soil at 240 days in the different treatment plots in a decreasing order were as follows: PS+AN+MR+SMS+Phy (5470.9mg/kg; 99.43%) >PS+MR+SMS+Phy (5460.60mg/kg; 99.23%) >PS+AN+MR+Phy (5451.30mg/kg; 99.06%) >PS+MR+Cyp (5448.30mg/kg; 99.01%) >PS+AN+MR+Cyp (5440.00mg/kg; 98.86%) >PS+AN+Phy (5422.905mg/kg; 98.54%) >PS+Cyp (no amendment) (5380.90mg/kg; 97.78%). Comparative evaluation revealed higher reduction of PAHs in soil (plot) planted with Phyllanthus amarus. Highest PAHs reduction in soil was seen in PS+AN+MR+SMS+Phy (31.3mg/kg; 65.89%) while least was recorded in PS+ Cyp (no amendment) (23.4mg/kg, 49.26%). Conclusion: it was observed that plots planted with Cyperus esculentus (TPH 5492.75±76.36mg/kg) showed higher reduction of TPH from soil than those planted with Phyllanthus amarus (TPH 5449.72±18.27mg/kg); while PAHs degradation/reduction in plots planted with Phyllantus amarus (PAHs 28.72±2.74mg/kg; 60.46±5.77%) was higher than plots planted with Cyperus esculentus (PAHs 25.77±2.12mg/kg, 54.24±4.47%). More so, plots amended with augmentating microbes showed significant higher percentage reduction in hydrocarbon in the polluted soil than unamended polluted soil. It is therefore recommended that Cyperus esculentus is a suitable plant species for phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated soil with high TPH value while Phyllanthus amarus is the best option for phytoremediation of polluted soil with high PAHs value, in combination with augmenting microbes.

200 fry of carp obtained from induced breeding by stripping were fed three times daily ad libitum with Artemia (DT1), commercial starter diet (DT2), and dried egg yolk (DT3)for 8 weeks. Each treatments were in triplicates in indoor hatchery. At the end of the experiment, the progenies mean weight gained (MWG) was highest in the treatments fed Artemia (3.490±0.015a) as compared to others with significant difference (P

Consumption of high-fibre diet with non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) has the potential to adversely affect energy and nutrient utilization with consequent reduction in pig performance. This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of three different enzymes cocktail on growth performance of growing pigs fed high-fibre diets.The basal diet served as control (T1). Treatment 2 (T2) contained 0.3 g/kg diet of A (Xylanase, Cellulase, Protease, Alpha-amylase, Beta-glucanase, Phytase and Pectinase), treatment 3 (T3) contained 0.5 g/kg diet of B (Carbohydrases, Beta-glucanase, Pectinase, Protease) while treatment 4 (T4) contained 0.25 g/kg diet of C (Xylanase, Phytase, Alpha – amylase, Protease, Bacillolysin).Sixty grower pigs of an average initial weight of 26.06 ±0.78 kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (T) in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment and five animals in each replicate. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Feed intake and weight gain of the pigs were monitored weekly. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model procedures of SAS (2002).There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the performance indices of the pigs though those fedenzyme cocktails had improved daily weight. Lowest feed cost per kg weight gain (? 345.38/kg) was observed in pigs fed diet supplemented with enzyme cocktail at 0.25g/kg. It was concluded that cocktail of enzymes improved daily weight gain of growing pigs fed diets containing non-starch polysaccharides. Also, enzymes cocktail (0.25g/kg) reduced feed cost per kilogram weight gain of the pigs. La consommation d'aliments riches en fibres avec des polysaccharides non amylacés (NSP) a le potentiel d'affecter négativement l'utilisation de l'énergie et des nutriments avec une réduction conséquente des performances des porcs. Cette étude a été réalisée pour étudier l'efficacité de trois cocktails d'enzymes différents sur les performances de croissance de porcs en croissance nourris avec des régimes riches en fibres. Le régime de base a servi de contrôle (T1). Le traitement 2 (T2) contenait 0,3 g/kg de régime A (Xylanase, Cellulase, Protéase, Alpha-amylase, Bêta-glucanase, Phytase et Pectinase), le traitement 3 (T3) contenait 0,5 g/kg de régime B (Carbohydrases, Bêta -glucanase, Pectinase, Protease) tandis que le traitement 4 (T4) contenait 0,25 g/kg de ration de C (Xylanase, Phytase, Alpha amylase, Protease, Bacillolysin). assignés à quatre traitements diététiques (T) dans une conception complètement randomisée avec trois répétitions par traitement et cinq animaux dans chaque répétition. La nourriture et l'eau étaient fournies ad libitum. La prise alimentaire et le gain de poids des porcs ont été surveillés chaque semaine. Les données ont été soumises à une analyse de variance (ANOVA) à l'aide des procédures du modèle linéaire général de SAS (2002). Il n'y avait pas de différences significatives (P> 0,05) dans les indices de performance des porcs bien que ceux nourris avec des cocktails enzymatiques aient amélioré leur poids quotidien. Le coût alimentaire le plus bas par kg de gain de poids (? 345,38/kg) a été observé chez les porcs nourris avec un régime supplémenté avec un cocktail d'enzymes à 0,25 g/kg. Il a été conclu que le cocktail d'enzymes améliorait le gain de poids quotidien des porcs en croissance nourris avec des régimes contenant des polysaccharides non amylacés. De plus, le cocktail d'enzymes (0,25 g/kg) a réduit le coût des aliments par kilogramme de gain de poids des porcs.

The lack of animal models for some human diseases precludes our understanding of disease mechanisms and our ability to test prospective therapies in vivo. Generation of kidney organoids from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) patient-derived-hiPSCs allows us to recapitulate a rare kidney tumor called angiomyolipoma (AML). Organoids derived from TSC2−/− hiPSCs but not from isogenic TSC2+/− or TSC2+/+ hiPSCs share a common transcriptional signature and a myomelanocytic cell phenotype with kidney AMLs, and develop epithelial cysts, replicating two major TSC-associated kidney lesions driven by genetic mechanisms that cannot be consistently recapitulated with transgenic mice. Transplantation of multiple TSC2−/− renal organoids into the kidneys of immunodeficient rats allows us to model AML in vivo for the study of tumor mechanisms, and to test the efficacy of rapamycin-loaded nanoparticles as an approach to rapidly ablate AMLs. Collectively, our experimental approaches represent an innovative and scalable tissue-bioengineering strategy for modeling rare kidney disease in vivo., The lack of animal models for some human diseases precludes our understanding of disease mechanisms and our ability to test new therapies in vivo. Here the authors present a tissue bioengineering strategy for the study of a rare kidney tumor called angiomyolipoma, in vitro and in vivo, using patient-derived hiPSCs.

Tomato (Lycopersicum spp) is widely consumed universally because of its high nutritive value, but suffers great post-harvest losses due to microbial attack. This work was carried out to investigate the causative agents of tomato spoilage and the spatial distribution of such causative agents in some selected major markets in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Sixty tomato fruits from each of the four selected markets (total of 240 fruits) were investigated for the microorganisms responsible for tomato fruit spoilage. Eleven microorganisms, comprising of five bacterial species and six fungal species were isolated from the spoilt tomatoes. The bacterial isolates included Micrococcus varians, Lactobacillus fermenti, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp and Klebsiella sp. The isolated fungi included Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporium, Aspergillus flavus, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor mucedo, and Candida tropicalis. They were all positive for the pathogenicity test. The isolated organisms were heterogeneously distributed with remarkable levels of severity across the study area. The bacterial load ranged between 2.09 X 109 and 2.56 X 109, while the fungal load ranged between 2.72 X109 and 3.97 X 10 9. The occurrence and magnitude of the spoilage, and hence economic loss due to microbial attack could be attributable to the biologic, ecologic and environmental factors of the study area. Recommendations were, therefore, made for improved personal and environmental hygiene, good agricultural practice and proper treatment of tomato fruits before consumption to avert the imminent health consequences due to the spoilage microorganisms.

Ethnomedicinal survey have shown that the different parts of Hunteria umbellata plant are used in Western and Southern parts of Nigeria in managing various human diseases such as sexually transmitted infections and to induce or augment labor. This is however, without information on its effect on reproductive functions. This study was therefore designed to ascertain if there is any health benefit or risk in the ingestion of Hunteria umbellata on reproductive functions. In this study, qualitative phytochemistry, acute toxicity test and the sub-chronic toxicity effects of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of Hunteria umbellata (HU) methanol seed extract on reproductive functions in male and female Wistar rats were investigated for 90 days. To achieve this, effect of repeated doses of methanolic extracts of Hunteria umbellata seed were investigated on selected reproductive parameters of the test animals. Eighty (80) (40 male and 40 female) Wister rats, were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each. The first group received 10 ml/kg/day of distilled water and served as the control, while the second, third and fourth groups received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day of the extract for 90 days respectively. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture and delivered into plain tubes for hormonal assay, using ELISA hormone test kits (Biotec Laboratories Ltd, UK). After 90 days, the rats were anesthetized using chloroform. The histology of the testes and ovaries were also carried out. Result revealed that the prolonged treatment with methanol seed extracts of Hunteria umbellata for 90 days, caused minimal decreases (p>0.05) in testosterone, estrogen, progesterone level in all the extract treated groups as compared with the control group. Also, no significant distortions were observed in the histology of testes and ovaries. The results suggests that the prolonged oral treatment with 250-1000 mg/kg/day of the methanol extract of the seed of Hunteria umbellata did not have any effect on the reproductive functions as well as the reproductive organs in males and females’ rats treated, and could be safe following repeated use.

The prevalence of obesity is on the rise. What was once considered a simple disease of energy imbalance is now recognized as a complex condition perpetuated by neuro- and immunopathologies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the neuroimmunoendocrine mechanisms underlying obesity. We examine the pleiotropic effects of leptin action in addition to its established role in the modulation of appetite, and we discuss the neural circuitry mediating leptin action and how this is altered with obesity, both centrally (leptin resistance) and in adipose tissues (sympathetic neuropathy). Finally, we dissect the numerous causal and consequential roles of adipose tissue macrophages in obesity and highlight recent key studies demonstrating their direct role in organismal energy homeostasis.

The study was undertaken to investigate the structure and functional relationships of the pons and Medulla Oblongata of African Striped Ground Squirrel (Xerus erythropus). Twenty (20) adult African striped ground squirrels were used for this study (10 males and 10 females). The ground squirrels were obtained from the surrounding villages of Zaria Local Government, Kaduna state Nigeria. Each Squirrel was euthanized using ketamine hydrochloride at 80mg/kg bw followed by gentle perfusion with neutral formal saline. A pair of scissors, chisel and scalpel blade were used to gently extract the brain (craniotomy). The extracted brain was fixed in Bouin’s fluid for 24 hours and processed histologically. Morphometrically, the absolute brain weight was higher in male than female while the brain length was higher in female. The absolute weight of medulla oblongata was significantly higher in male than female (p < 0.05). Stereolog- ically, the neuronal volume of medulla oblongata was higher in female squirrel than in male while male squirrel has higher neuronal number of pons and medulla oblongata. In conclusion, the higher brain morphometry in male squirrels may be suggestive of a higher locomotive activity and a good climbing ability than the female counterpart.

The synthesis and application of nanoparticles is an important area of research that is gaining attention recently. In this recent project, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, AgNP using aqueous solution of silver nitrate and Gnetum africanum leaf extract (reducing agent). The synthesis of AgNP was achieved by mixing aqueous solution of silver nitrate (70ml, 15.75mM) with a solution of Gnetum africanum leaf extract 100 ml) in a reaction flask and allowed to stand for 24 hours in a dark cupboard. A color change from light brown to yellowish brown was observed which indicated that synthesis of silver nanoparticles took place. The presence of AgNP was ascertained using UV-vis spectra analysis and absorption at 442 nm showed the presence of AgNP. The antioxidant assay of both the synthesized AgNP and the leaf extract was determined using DPPH. Antimicrobial activity was conducted using three different organisms which were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas respectively. The antioxidant results using DPPH scavenging ability of AgNp showed that at concentrations of 2mg/ml,1mg/ml and 0.1mg/ml, the percentage inhibition of DPPH by AgNp was 61.69, 53.06 and 38.31 respectively and that of Gnetum africanum leaf extract was 81.32, 78.49, and 58.29 respectively at the same concentrations using Ascorbic acid as a standard. The antimicrobial activity of both the synthesized AgNps and Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract using one gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and two gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas) revealed that the synthesized AgNps showed lesser activity than Gnetumafricanum leaf extract for both the gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas) and (Escherichia coli). From the above findings, it can be observed that Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract reduced Ag+ to Ag0 and also both the synthesized AgNps and the Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract showed reasonable antioxidant activity against DPPH and antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. This implied that both samples have medicinal values.

This work aimed at determining the optimum harvest time of African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) seeds, cv. Oforiwa and cv. Kpando for maximum physiological seed quality under tropical (TCC) and temperate oceanic climatic (TOC) conditions. Fruit morphological metrics such as fruit weight and size were also related to seed physiological quality. Seeds were harvested at different maturation stages from 20 to 82 days after anthesis (DAA). Seed quality was assessed according to moisture content, dry seed weight, seed length, thousand seed weight, percentage germination and emergence. The results indicated that seeds harvested precociously (20 and 34 days after anthesis), did not germinate or recorded very low percentage germination (0-20%). Considering all the fruit morphological traits and seed quality variables measured, the results indicate that maximum seed quality (that is, germination, emergence, seed weight and mean germination time) are obtained from fruits harvested at 76 DAA. The physiological maturity (PM) (maximum seed dry weight) for cv. Oforiwa was attained at 62 DAA while cv. Kpando took 14 days more to reach physiological maturity but coincided with maximum germination at 76 DAA. The results further showed that fruit characteristics such as weight and size are associated with seed physiological quality in African eggplant. It is thus recommended that fruits of African eggplant cv. Oforiwa and cv. Kpando should be harvested at 70 to 76 DAA for maximum seed germination and emergence. Key words: African eggplant, Solanum aethiopicum, physiological maturity, germination, seed maturation.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in Zea mays-based Ogi on some foodborne bacteria contaminating cabbage in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Ten (10) samples (5 samples of Z. mays-based Ogi and 5 samples of suspected contaminated cabbage heads) were aseptically collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Five different Lactobacillus isolates (A, B, C, D, and E) were isolated from the Z. mays-based Ogi while 5 different species of bacterial pathogens; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp were isolated from cabbage heads. Results showed that Lactobacillus isolates exhibited high inhibitory effect against foodborne bacteria (S. aureus, E. coli, and Shigella spp) isolated from cabbage with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranging from 14 to 20 mm. A very high antimicrobial activity against foodborne bacteria isolated from cabbage was also observed for the crude bacteriocin at pH of 2. The stability of the antimicrobial affinity of the bacteriocin decreased as pH rises from 6 to 7. This study has shown that bacteriocin has antimicrobial activity against foodborne bacteria contaminating cabbage and could be used as bio-preservatives instead of hazardous chemical preservatives with adverse effects on the human body. Key words: Lactic acid bacteria, bacteriocin, Zea mays, cabbage, fermented food, Ogi.

Congenital abnormalities are common among avian and mammalian species. They could be partial or total drift from the normal structural organization of the organ-systems. This article is aimed at reporting the occurrence of multiple abnormalities in a 3-week-old broiler chick. Ante mortem, post-mortem, radiological and osteological investigations were carried out, to ascertain the number and form of abnormalities present in the chick. A total of four different congenital abnormalities were discovered in this chick. These include: polymelia (presence of supernumerary or accessory limb which is usually malformed); double vents (vent duplex); double cloacal bursae (bursa duplex) and triple caeca. Radiological and postmortem examinations revealed the attachment of the accessory limb to the caudal depressor muscle as a form of synsarcosis, via a tendon that originated from the deep fossa of the modified femoral head of the accessory limb. The right vent was patent whereas the left was not. The two cloacal bursae were almost the same size, while the three caeca showed slight variation in length but typical features of the avian caecum (base, middle (body) and apex) were clearly visible. However, most cases of congenital anomalies in the avian species occur as multiple defects, with the most common being polymelia. The latest finding in this report is the discovery of double cloacal bursae (bursae of Fabricius), which has not been reported in the avian species.

Diseases in captive wildlife constitute a major challenge to the function of zoological gardens only second to management. These diseases vary in etiology depending on susceptibility, the environment, and husbandry method used. Exposure to infectious diseases is known to be responsible for the declining figures in wild animal population especially wild felids. Sick or dead animals subjected to laboratory diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, and necropsy from three (3) zoological gardens in Nigeria between 2014 and 2018 were included in this study, while dead animals not subjected to any form of clinical, laboratory, and necropsy diagnosis were excluded. Between 2014 and 2018, carcass submission at the Jos, Kano, and Unilorin zoo comprised wild ungulates, non-human primates, small mammals, reptiles, felids, and aviary from the selected zoological gardens combined. In total, sixty-six (66) cases were studied, and this included a wide variety of animal species. All cases resulted in mortalities distributed across these zoological gardens. Non-infectious conditions accounted for 23% of total cases reported including fractures, nutritional deficiencies, toxicity, and dystocia, among others. Infectious diseases including bacterial, parasitic, and viral were the dominant groups of diseases of captive wild animals in these zoos. Bacterial infections were the most common infectious causes accounting for 41% of the cases. Isolates include Mannheimia haemolytica biotype A serotype 2 (A2), Salmonella spp, and Escherichia coli. While non-infectious causes were responsible for some mortalities either singly or as co-morbidities with bacterial agents, mixed causes accounted for 15% of all the cases. This study enumerates the common diseases, species affected, in wild captive animals in three zoological gardens in Nigeria, making the ation available to clinicians, biologists, pathologists, public health workers, and policy makers.

Pharmaceutical activities of a fungus depend on its bioactive compounds composition. Pleurotus tuber-regium (paleotropical species) is a fungus used in Gabon and throughout tropical Africa for its culinary and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to predict the therapeutic potential of this species, in particular of its carpophore and its sclerotia, based on the main chemical groups highlighted during the chemical screening of aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic extracts. Chemical screening revealed that the three extracts (aqueous, hydro-ethanolic and ethanolic) prepared from the carpophore are rich in total polyphenols, alkaloids, coumarins and proanthocyanidins. Aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts are moderately rich in tannins and coumarins while the ethanolic extract is very rich in reducing sugars. About the sclerotia, the three extracts are rich in total polyphenols, alkaloids, reducing sugars and proanthocyanidins. Aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts are moderately rich in tannins, total flavonoids and coumarins. The dosage of phenolic compounds carried out on aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts confirmed the richness of this fungus in total polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, as well as its deficiency in flavonoids and tannins. The chemical groups thus identified in the carpophore and the sclerotium of P. tuber-regium allow to predict its antioxidant, antiallergic, antiplasmodial, anesthetic, analgesic, anticancer, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory and ant-mutagenic activities.

Thirty-three broodstock of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) obtained from Panyam Fish Farm, plateau state Nigeria was used to evaluate the percentage hatchability of carp through induced natural spawning in outdoor Hapa net system, and induced breeding by stripping in indoor concrete Ponds. Spawning and fertilization was natural for experimental group 1. Ovaprim hormone was used to induce broodstock in experimental group 2 and 3, but unlike experimental group 3, experimental group 2 was not stripped manually, as the induced female broodstock shed her eggs naturally. At the end of the experiment, the mean number of eggs in one gram was found to be (733.33±3.53a) in treatment 3, as compared to that of experimental group 2 (702.00±3.21b) and experimental group 1 (709.33±4.91b), with a significant difference at (P

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, popularly known in Brazil as pink pepper or aroeira, has become a new source of agricultural exploitation for some farmers, notably located in the north of the state of Espírito Santo, the largest producing region in the world. Once it was a species that has been historically exploited in an extractive manner, where only what nature offers is explored, the need for the generation of scientific knowledge to understand its genetic potential in all agronomic areas is evident, starting with the large spread in scale of this species. Therefore, the objective of the work was to study the effects of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the physiology and quality of seedlings produced by cuttings of the species Schinus terebentifolia Raddi under different concentrations of this hormone and different ways of application. The experiment design was a factorial in randomized blocks, in the 2x7 arrangement, the first being composed of two forms of preparation of the hormone (dilution in acetone or in water) and the second composed by 7 concentrations of IBA (0 mg/L; 625 mg/L; 1250 mg/L; 2500 mg/L; 3000 mg/L; 3750 mg/L and 5000 mg/L) with 5 blocks and 5 plants in each treatment. The addition of IBA favored the development and physiological aspects of the seedlings, produced from the hormone prepared with both, water and acetone. The quality of seedlings induced with IBA diluted in water was compromised with the addition of the hormone, whereas in seedlings treated with IBA diluted in acetone, the estimated dose of 1750 mg/L of IBA, promoted the better quality index (IQD) of the seedlings.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant potentials of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Study Design: An experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Animal House, Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and University of Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria, between February 2020 and August 2020. Methodology: Thirty Six (36) albino rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks in the laboratory at the animal farm house of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. They were fed the normal rat feed (Chow feed) and water was allowed ad libitum. The rats were weighed and randomly grouped into six (6) groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 (Negative control) was placed on normal diet while groups 2 to 6 were placed on a high fat diet (HFD) prior to the induction with Streptozotocin to achieve diabetes and the animals were treated according to their groupings for four weeks by means of oral gavage. The dose of Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil extracts administered to the rats was extrapolated from human doses. The high fat diet was prepared by mixing the animal feed (Chow diet) with margarine in a ratio of 3:1. After each period of treatments, blood samples were collected from the rats at the end of the treatments via cardiac puncture by anaesthetizing the rats with chloroform after a six (6) hour fast. Fasting blood glucose was determined using the Glucose Oxidase method, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione were analysed quantitatively and measured spectrophotometrically and the GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds from Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) oil was done using Agilent Technologies GC systems with GC-7890A/MS-5975C model. Data generated were analysed using SPSS version 22.0 of windows statistical package. Results were considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). Results: After week 1 - 4 of exposure, the mean SOD (Superoxide dismutase) value of the Negative control group (NC), Positive control (PC) group, diabetic groups exposed for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 expressed in U/ml were 299.41 ± 5.49, 217.38 ± 5.33, 220.56 ± 4.14, 240.45 ± 1.21, 258.19 ± 1.73 and 278.03 ± 1.98 respectively. The mean TAC (Total antioxidant capacity) value expressed in U/ml were 2.97 ± 0.10, 1.84 ± 0.04, 1.97 ± 0.04, 2.16 ± 0.02, 2.26 ± 0.02 and 2.46 ± 0.02 respectively. The mean GSH (Glutathione) expressed in µg/ml were 56.05 ± 0.60, 47.37 ±1.04, 47.94 ± 0.87, 50.80 ± 0.35, 53.07 ± 0.36 and 55.38 ± 0.33 respectively. The mean MDA (Malondialdehyde) expressed in nmol/l were 2.40 ± 0.13, 4.56 ± 0.28, 4.66 ± 0.06, 4.39 ± 0.01, 4.16 ± 0.03 and 3.70 ± 0.06 respectively. Comparison of different groups showed varying significant differences across groups. Conclusion: Hyperglycaemia induced in rats studied led to an increase in oxidative stress, depletion of antioxidant parameters was observed. However, after treatment with Blue Whiting Fish (Micromesistus poutassous) Oil extracts, it was observed that there was improvement in the overall antioxidant status of the rats.

Soybean yield within the Southern Africa falls below its potential despite similar climatic conditions across some agroecologies, replicable agronomic management practices and introduced improved varieties. Understanding physiological processes and water-use efficiency (WUE) of soybean offer information on bridging this yield gap. A field study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 seasons in two agroecologies (Angonia and Ruace) in Mozambique to evaluate the effects of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens strain USDA110 formerly known as Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant, nitrogen and phosphorus on nodulation, physiology and yield of non-promiscuous (Safari) and promiscuous (TGx 1740-2F) soybean varieties. Data on transpiration, photosynthesis, leaf area index, radiation interception and WUE from the beginning of flowering to maturity were collected. Transpiration rate varied considerably with interaction between locations, growth stages, varieties and treatments. At podding, phosphorus-treated soybean at Angonia transpired less (6.3 mmol/m2/s) than check plants (6.6 mmol/m2/s). Photosynthesis rate and WUE were distinct with variety, growth stages and inputs within agroecologies. For instance, in Angonia 2018 season, phosphorus fertilized TGx 1740-2F photosynthesized more at flowering (25.3 μmol/m2/s) while the lowest was phosphorus-treated Safari at podding with 17.2 μmol/m2/s. At the same site in 2017, inoculated soybean photosynthesized more at 22.8 μmol/m2/s leading to better WUE of 3.6 that corresponded to 2894 kg/ha yield. Overall, soybean WUE was higher when inoculated than N-treated, while P application yielded better. Results from this study will complement breeders’ effort in developing phosphorus efficient varieties suited for a wide range of changing climatical conditions.

This study evaluated age-related changes in the gross morphology and morphometry of the testis and epididymis of the African Greater Cane Rat (AGCR). Twenty pathogen-free cane rats used for this study were randomly divided into 4 groups; Group I - prepubertal (≤4 months), Group II - pubertal (>4≤12 months), Group III - adult (>12≤30 months), and Group IV - aged (>30 months) of 5 animals each. On day 8th of acclimatization, testis and epididymis were harvested from sedated cane rat, described grossly and standard morphometric parameters (length, width, circumference, weight, and relative weight) determined. Gross morphological observations in the testes of all the different age categories showed similar characteristically cream to milky-white coloration and ellipsoidal shape. The epididymis in the different AGCR group uniquely presents the same inverted S-shaped outline, loose attachment to the testis, and less distinct division into caput, corpus, and cauda segments. Testicular and epididymal morphometric parameters were significantly reduced in the prepubertal cane rat relative to other groups. The parameters consistently displayed an age-dependent increment with the advancing age of the animal. In conclusion, this study has shown that both testicular and epididymal gross morphometrics increase with age advancement and perhaps might be linked to the varying functional reproductive status of the different age groups of the African greater cane rat.

Seed extraction and drying methods are important procedures employed after harvesting fruits of African eggplant as these methods affect the seed quality. This study sought to evaluate the seed physiological quality of two cultivars of African eggplant subjected to various durations of natural fermentation and different drying methods. In the first study, fruits were fermented for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h before seed extraction. In the second experiment, seeds were extracted and subjected to sun/24 h; shade/24 h; shade/48 h; desiccant (silica gel)/24 h; shade/24 h + 30 °C oven (24 h); 30°C/24 h; 35 °C/24 h; 45 °C/24 h; 50°C/24 h and 60°C/24 h for drying. The seed quality evaluation were seed moisture content, seed dry weight, first count, seed germination and accelerated aging. The results suggest that African eggplant seeds do not require natural fermentation during extraction for enhanced seed germination. All drying methods were able to reduce seed moisture content to an ideal level for storage and maintained seed physiological quality. The latent effect of these methods on seed physiological quality needs to be studied. Key words: Solanum aethiopicum, drying, fermentation, seed quality, seed extraction.

Bambara groundnut (BG) is a protein and energy-rich legume crop of African origin with the potential to contribute to food and nutrition security. There is limited information on seed man­agement and quality of farmer saved seed of BG in Uganda. This study was conducted to inves­tigate seed management practices and evaluate the quality of farmer saved seed from Uganda. Four hundred BG farmers were chosen using purposive sampling and information gathered on their seed management. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the farm­ers. Seed colour and size determination, standard germination and electrical conductivity tests were done on seed samples collected from farmers. Results from survey revealed that farmers recycled seeds for more than 4 years (39.2%) and maintained mostly single landraces (52.5%). Seed was sun-dried on the ground (81%), stored in gunny bags (93.5%), and threshed mostly by hand (52.0%). Collected landraces had varied seed coat colours and significantly differed at p = 0.05 in their seed sizes, final germination percentage (FGP), electrical conductivity (EC), germination velocity index and seedling vigour index II (SVI-II). Local Bam landrace recorded highest SVI-II (485.3) and EC (0.52MSg-1) while TVSU 688 landrace recorded the highest FGP (96.0%) and lowest EC (0.06MSg-1).

The effects of extraction methods and time of storage on the yield and qualities of neem seed oil were investigated. Three extraction methods: cold water, hot water, and n-hexane were used while the extracted oils were stored at room temperature for six months. The yield, chemical properties, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the fresh and stored oils were evaluated at every two-month interval using standard methods. The results showed that n-hexane gave the highest oil yield (62 %), followed by hot water (49 %), and cold water (42 %). The chemical properties ranged as follows; peroxide value: (7.02–25.56, 6.30–26.76 and 8.99–24.16 Meq/kg), saponification value: (133.95–245.26, 114.09–288.09 and 141.11–250.12 mg KOH/g oil), iodine value: (51.69–6.98, 56.73–7.88 and 54.87–9.51 mg/wij’s) and acid value: (18.01–55.99, 11.34–85.12 and 14.62–56.88 mg KOH/g oil) for cold water, hot water, and n-hexane respectively. The qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, triterpenoid, and steroid contents. Conclusively, the extraction methods and storage time affect the yield and qualities of the extracted neem seed oil, while the chemical and phytochemical results revealed that the extracted oils were good for both medical and industrial applications. Keywords: Neem seeds, oils, extraction methods, storage time, chemical and phytochemical properties

Aims/hypothesisIncreased levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are associated with type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. However, most metabolomic studies are limited to an analysis of plasma metabolites under fasting conditions, rather than the dynamic shift in response to a metabolic challenge. Moreover, metabolomic profiles of peripheral tissues involved in glucose homeostasis are scarce and the transcriptomic regulation of genes involved in BCAA catabolism is partially unknown. This study aimed to identify differences in circulating and skeletal muscle BCAA levels in response to an OGTT in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or type 2 diabetes. Additionally, transcription factors involved in the regulation of the BCAA gene set were identified.MethodsPlasma and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained from individuals with NGT or type 2 diabetes before and after an OGTT. Plasma and quadriceps muscles were harvested from skeletal muscle-specific PGC-1α knockout and transgenic mice. BCAA-related metabolites and genes were assessed by LC-MS/MS and RT-PCR, respectively. Small interfering RNA and adenovirus-mediated overexpression techniques were used in primary human skeletal muscle cells to study the role of PGC-1A and ESRRA in the expression of the BCAA gene set. Radiolabeled leucine was used to analyze the impact of ERRα knockdown on leucine oxidation.ResultsImpairments in BCAA catabolism in people with type 2 diabetes under fasting conditions were exacerbated after a glucose load. Branched-chain keto acids were reduced 37–56% after an OGTT in the NGT group, whereas no changes were detected in individuals with T2D. These changes were concomitant with a stronger correlation with glucose homeostasis biomarkers and downregulated expression of BCAT2, BCKDH complex subunits and 69% of downstream BCAA-related genes in skeletal muscle. In primary human myotubes overexpressing PGC-1α, 61% of the analyzed BCAA genes were upregulated, while 67% were downregulated in the quadriceps of skeletal muscle-specific PGC-1α knockout mice. ESRRA (encoding estrogen-related receptor α, ERRα) silencing completely abrogated the PGC-1α-induced upregulation of BCAA-related genes in primary human myotubes.Conclusions/interpretationMetabolic inflexibility in type 2 diabetes impacts BCAA homeostasis and attenuates the decrease of circulating and skeletal muscle BCAA-related metabolites after a glucose challenge. Transcriptional regulation of BCAA genes in primary human myotubes via a PGC-1α is ERRα-dependent.Research in contextWhat is already known about this subject?Circulating levels of BCAA are elevated in type 2 diabetes.PGC-1α is involved in the transcription of the BCAA gene set.What is the key question?Does metabolic inflexibility associated with type 2 diabetes encompass BCAA homeostasis and PGC-1α mediated transcription of the BCAA gene set?What are the new findings?BCAA homeostasis is further compromised by a glucose challenge in type 2 diabetes.An OGTT reveals coordinated regulation between BCAA metabolites, blood glucose, and HbA1c levels.ERRα is essential for PGC-1α-mediated BCAA gene expression in primary human myotubes.How might this impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?An OGTT can be used to underscore impairments in BCAA metabolism. These findings suggest that interventions targeting the PGC-1α/ ERRα axis may improve BCAA homeostasis.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of melon (Citrallus lanatus) seed oil (WMO) on the growth performance and immune response of growing rabbits. Thirty-six (36), 5-6 weeks weaner rabbit of mixed breed and sex with an average weight of 435 g – 438 grams were randomly divided into four (4) treatments of nine rabbits per group and each rabbit served as a replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment lasted for 12 weeks and all other management practices were strictly observed. The basal diet was formulated according to the nutrient requirements of the rabbit according to NRC (1977). Treatment (T1) was fed basal diet with 0 % WMO, T2, T3, and T4 were fed basal diet supplemented with WMO at 0.2 %, 0.4 % and 0.6 % respectively. Results obtained were used to examine the average daily weight gain (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed: gain, mortality, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malonyl dialdehyde (MLA). ADWG, feed: gain, and mortality were significantly different (P˂0.05) among the treatments. ADFI increased as the level of WMO increases, though not at a significant level (P˃0.05). The highest mortality was recorded among animals in T1 (1.00 %), none was recorded in the other treatments (P˂0.05). Activities of SOD, GST, GSH, and MLA were significantly (P˃0.05) influenced by WMO. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of WMO up to 0.6 % enhanced growth performance, improved feed: gain, and had no negative effect on the antioxidant parameters of rabbits, it is safe and could be used to bridge the gap between food safety and production.

Waste dry cell batteries are frequently improperly disposed and subsequently washed into water bodies-- causing deleterious effects on fish particularly Clarias gariepinus which inhabits diverse freshwater habitats. Acute toxicity of water-soluble fractions of waste dry cell batteries was investigated on C. gariepinus fingerlings under laboratory conditions in 96 hours. Ten (10) C. gariepinus fingerlings were exposed to acute concentrations (0.31, 0.63, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 g/L) of waste dry cell batteries and a control (0.00 g/L), each duplicate replicated. Histopathological alterations evident in the gills were lamellar fusion, hyperplasia, inter-lamella space occlusion, hypertrophy and erosion of secondary lamellae. The liver showed nuclear and hepatocytes degeneration, vacuolation and portal congestion. Acute concentrations of water-soluble fractions of waste dry cell batteries caused significant (P

Fish is significant as a vector of disease pathogen of human and animals. The study of the helminthes parasites of Clarias gariepinus in Abraka was carried out to investigate the occurrence, prevalence and intensity of helminthes parasites in Clarias gariepinus; and to compare the helminthes parasites burden of the wild and cultured Clarias gariepinus in Abraka fresh water. A total number of four hundred and nine (409) Clarias gariepinus were examined. Collection of fish samples was done monthly for twelve months. The external parts of each fish were examined with a hand lens for the occurrence of helminthes parasites. Portions of the muscles were also teased apart in saline water and examined under the microscope first at x 40 and later x 100 oil immersion. Organs of the body were examined separately in petri dishes containing normal saline. The different groups of parasites recovered were preserved in formaldehyde and identified using prescribed methods. Of the 409 C. gariepinus examined, 172 were infected, showing an infection rate of 42.1%. C. gariepinus from the wild had a higher prevalence of 31.1% while those from culture ponds had a lower prevalence of 11%. A total of 485 parasites were recovered, comprising of 113 trematodes and 372 nematodes which represents 23.3% and 76.7% respectively. Identified trematodes included Diplosomum sp., Macrogyrodactylus sp., and Quadriancanthus sp., while namatodes included Procamallanus sp. and an Ascarid nematode. The highest intensity of infection of 3.11 was recorded in the Ascarid nematode while the least of 1.25 came from Diplostomum sp. in C. gariepinus caught from the wild. Although, there appears to be a lack of reported cases of the occurrence of the ascarid nematode that was recovered from the muscles of C. gariepinus in literature, it is evident from this study that it is a common endoparasite of the African catfish in Abraka freshwater.

Blast is a major rice disease that can affect rice plant during all growth stages, wherein causing drastic yield loss globally. Host-plant resistance has been the most practical and cost effective approach to control insect pests and diseases in crops. Therefore, eighty (80) rice genotypes were screened for resistance to the leaf blast and brown plant hopper at Hybrid Rice Evaluation Centre, Gudalur, The Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India. The study site is known as blast and brown plant hopper (BPH) hot spot in India. The genotypes were evaluated according to the standard evaluation system for rice. The results revealed that nineteen (19) genotypes namely; CB08504, CB13506, CB14528, CB14681, PR114, ORJ1141, CR3868-225-1-2-2-5, MTU1156, NDR2111-13-1, PAU3835-12-1-1-2, MTU1157, HKR08-1, CT16658-5-2-3SR-2-1MMP, IR10A136, CB14149, CO(R) 49, Ciherang, IR11A294 and EC578527 showed resistant reaction and 27 genotypes were found to be moderately resistant to the leaf blast disease. None of the genotypes was immune to BPH reaction. Four (4) genotypes were resistant, and twenty-three (23) were moderately resistant. The genotypes viz., CR3868-225-1-2-2-5 and NDR 2111-13-1 which were resistant to leaf blast showed moderate resistance to BPH. Genotypes like HHZ 17-DT-6-Sal3-DT 1, BRR 0015, PAU 3842-60-5-1-3, Vanjinathan and EC 465120 were moderately resistant to both blast and BPH. These genotypes identified may be utilized as genetic sources for multiple resistant genes in rice improvement.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent wildlife fungal disease of cave-dwelling, hibernating bats that has led to unprecedented mortalities throughout North America. A primary factor in WNS-associated bat mortality includes increased arousals from torpor and premature fat depletion during winter months. Details of species and sex-specific changes in lipid metabolism during WNS are poorly understood and may play an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease. Given the likely role of fat metabolism in WNS and the fact that the liver plays a crucial role in fatty acid distribution and lipid storage, we assessed hepatic lipid signatures of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) at an early stage of infection with the etiological agent, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). Differences in lipid profiles were detected at the species and sex level in the sham-inoculated treatment, most strikingly in higher hepatic triacylglyceride (TG) levels in E. fuscus females compared to males. Interestingly, several dominant TGs (storage lipids) decreased dramatically after Pd infection in both female M. lucifugus and E. fuscus. Increases in hepatic glycerophospholipid (structural lipid) levels were only observed in M. lucifugus, including two phosphatidylcholines (PC [32:1], PC [42:6]) and one phosphatidylglycerol (PG [34:1]). These results suggest that even at early stages of WNS, changes in hepatic lipid mobilization may occur and be species and sex specific. As pre-hibernation lipid reserves may aid in bat persistence and survival during WNS, these early perturbations to lipid metabolism could have important implications for management responses that aid in pre-hibernation fat storage.

The mode of gene action for the expression of quantitative traits is decided by the predominance of variances due to additive, dominance and epistasis gene effects. In this experiment, involving four F1 crosses (TCH1716 x TCB37, TCH1705-101 x TCB209, KC2 x TCB26 and TSH0250 x DB3) of upland cotton, inheritance of major yield components by Generation Mean Analysis was investigated. The investigation revealed that both additive and dominance gene effects were involved in the expression of most of the yield contributing traits. One or more types of epistatic interaction effects were prevalent for all the characters and thus played a major role in the control of the characters. The inheritance of the traits was found to be complex in lieu of the low heritability estimates and genetic advance over mean. For seed cotton yield per plant, the dominance x dominance interaction effect was positively significant for all the crosses, the additive x dominance effect was positively significant only in cross 1 and the dominance main effect showed negative significant in all crosses. The dominance (h) and dominance x dominance (l) effects were of opposite signs in all the crosses indicating the presence of duplicate epistasis in all the crosses. To harness additive gene effects for improvement of some of the traits, breeding methods with postponement of selection to later generation should be adopted.

Shrimps are highly valued worldwide. They deteriorate rapidly after harvest except preserved. This study was undertaken to determine the bacterial load and nutritional quality of shrimps subjected to 20% lime juice, 50% garlic extract and distilled water followed by smoking and storage at ambient (room) temperature for 28 days. Fresh shrimp samples from Sombreiro River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State were used for this study. The Shrimps were analyzed for total viable counts (TVCs), Coliform, Staphylococcal, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Shigella counts. The control samples had highest protein content of 21.2±0.018 immediately after treatment while after smoking, samples treated with lime and garlic had higher protein content; highest in samples treated with lime juice with protein content of 63.27±1.20, garlic-treated samples and control sample had protein content of 60.5±2.49 and 51.27±10.76 respectively at end of storage. Garlic-treated samples had highest ash content of 15.46±0.11, lime-treated samples and control had ash content of 13.29±0.11 and 11.75±0.11 at the end of storage period. There were slight increases in nutrient level with storage. Samples treated with lime juice had lowest bacterial count throughout the four weeks of storage. At day 0, samples treated with lime, garlic- treated samples and control had total viable count of 1.7×103, 2.11×103 and 4.5×104 respectively, at the end of storage period. Lime-treated samples, garlic-treated samples and control had coliform count of 2.3×102, 5.89×102 and 5.27×104 respectively at the end of storage period. Total Staphylococcal count for lime-treated samples, garlic-treated samples and control at the end storage period were 4.9×102, 4.8×102 and3.5×103 respectively. Samples treated with lime and garlic had no Vibrio, Salmonella and Shigella after smoking till end of storage. In this study 20% lime juice proved more effective against bacteria though with no significant difference (p>0.05) and increased the nutritional value of smoked shrimps more than 50% garlic extract.

Background and Objective: There are many evolving prostatic biopsy sampling techniques aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy, localization, prognostication and dictating prostate cancer treatment options. This study analysed the histomorphology, spatial distribution and prognostic implications of site-specific core biopsies of the prostate gland. Methods: Double-sextant prostate biopsy cores, representing the medial and lateral aspects of the left and right apices, mid-gland and bases of the glands, were microscopically examined prospectively over an 18-month period. These were obtained by transrectal ultrasound guidance. H&E stained slides were examined for the presence, volume, Gleason score and ISUP grade-group of cancer. Results: Ninety-one patients aged 48 to 88 years (median age 70 years) were seen. In 68.1% of cases all anatomical zones of an examined prostate gland (apices, mid-gland and bases) had cancer. Overall, the apical region of the prostate gland had cancer in 35.6% of cases, the mid-gland portion 33.8% of the time while the basal region was positive in 30.6% of the cases. Tumour was restricted to mid-gland in 5.5% of cases, the apex in 4.4%, whilst it was restricted to the base in 2.2% of the cases. At least a core from all sextant biopsy sites had cancer in 42.9% of cases. Carcinoma volume was least in basally located cancers. ISUP grade group 5 was most frequently seen and grade group 2 was the least seen. Conclusion: Prostatic carcinomas in our region have poor prognostic indicators such as poor differentiation, high tumour volume, and in most cases involves biopsy cores from all anatomical zones of the prostate.

The study evaluated the feed intake and organ weights of sixteen growing West African dwarf bucks fed some browse species and a concentrate supplement diet. The goats were allotted into four (4) treatments of four goats each. The goats were fed leaves from Gmelina, (Gmelina aborea)) Tamarind, (Tamarindus, Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) at 200g/goat/day for Treatments 1, 2, 3and 4 respectively and a concentrate supplement diet at 100g per goat/day for a duration of fifty (50) days. Known volume of water was served, feed and water intake were monitored and recorded The experimental design was a completely randomized design ,data were analysed using a one way analysis of variance and least significant difference to separate the significant means using SPSS statistical package for windows 23 , 2015 version .Concentrate and browse samples were analysed using the methods of AOAC (2000) ,daily browse intake (134.22– 245.44g), total daily feed intake(225.53 – 339.87g), daily water intake(340.00– 420.00ml) and daily supplement intake values were all significantly (p>0.05) different across the treatment means . The water intake followed similar trend as the dry matter intake. All the organ weights were not significant (P

Soil amendments such as biochar and biofertilizers may improve chickpea productivity but there is limited information on whether this response could be through an increase in soil pH and nodulation. We aimed to determine whether the previously observed positive effects of biochar and rhizobium inoculation on soil pH and chickpea nodulation would result in similar improvements in the proportion of radiation intercepted by the crop canopy, biomass accumulation, and grain yield of three desi chickpea genotypes. Field experiments were carried out in clay and loamy sand soils in two successive years. Biochar application and rhizobium inoculation increased biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, the proportion of intercepted radiation, and decreased chlorophyll a/b ratios which suggests that biochar and rhizobium inoculation increased biomass accumulation by increasing antenna size and canopy cover. Although rhizobium inoculation increased grain yield of all genotypes, the increase was greater in the best performing genotype, Acc#6. Biomass was highest at 10 t ha−1 and 20 t ha−1 biochar in the clay and loamy sand soil, respectively, suggesting that the lighter soils require higher biochar rates compared to the heavier soils for optimal biomass accumulation.

Microorganisms most especially bacteria, continue to develop resistance against antimicrobial agents; hence novel sources of antibiotics are urgently needed to reduce this problem. This study was carried out to investigate the antibacterial activities of ethanolic, chloroform and aqueous extracts of Apis mellifera (honey bee) on isolates of wound infections. The isolates used in this study were procured from University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) and confirmed using morphological and biochemical tests. The isolates used include; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris. Honey bees were collected from an apitherapist at Sunshine honey and agro foods, Akure, Ondo State Nigeria. The whole insect was used for in vitro antibacterial evaluation of the isolates using agar well diffusion method. Ethanolic extract of A. mellifera had the highest inhibitory activity with mean zones of inhibition ranging from 7.40 mm to 21.67 mm, chloroform extracts had moderate inhibitory activity ranging from 4.63 mm to 10.03 mm while the aqueous extract had the least activity with zones of inhibition ranging from 3.00 mm to 6.30 mm. However, no antibacterial activity was observed against P. aeruginosa for all the extracts. It is concluded that extracts of honey bees most especially the ethanolic extract have antibacterial activity and thus could be a potential antibacterial agent against isolates of wound infections.

The effect of Protein isolate from fermented melon seeds (Ogiri Protei Isolates; OPI) of Cucumeropsis manii on blood glucose, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Thirty Male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. GThe first control group with no exposure. The second group of rats with Streptozotocin-induced non-treated diabetes. The 3rd and 4th groups of rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetes supplemented with Ogiri protein isolates (200, 600 mg/kg in diet). And the 5th group of rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetes administered glibenclamide in a dose 500 ug/kg in diet [17]. The OPI was administered for 6 weeks. The administration of OPI reduced the blood glucose concentration of the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Sera and hepatic superoxide dismutase, activities of the STZ-induced diabetic rats were significantly (P< 0.05) increased in comparison with the diabetic control rats. Lipid peroxidation of the supplemented OPI diabetic rats was significantly (P< 0.05) decreased in comparison with the diabetic control rats as the administration of OPI to the STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly increased the enzymes’ activities. The concentration of low-density lipoproteins in the OPI supplemented rats was significantly elevated. These data demonstrate that OPI supplements might be beneficial for correcting hyperglycemia but the consumption of OPI can modulate some tissue lipids in a direction not beneficial for CVD risk in patients with diabetes.

This study investigated the synthesis, characterization and in vitro antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea. The aqueous leaf extract of J. carnea was used as a potential reducing and capping agent. To identify the compounds responsible for the reduction of silver ions, the functional groups present in the plant extract were subjected to FTIR. The in vitro antioxidant activity of synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated in terms of ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2`-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) free radicals scavenging assays. The surface plasmon resonance confirmed the formation of AgNPs with maximum absorbance at kmax = 446 nm. FTIR revealed the biological macromolecules of J. carnea leaf extract involved in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. UV-Visible spectrophotometer showed absorbance peak in the range of 436-446 nm. The silver nanoparticles exhibited moderate antioxidant activities compared to standard antioxidants (ascorbic acid and BHT). These results confirmed this protocol as simple, eco-friendly, nontoxic and an alternative for conventional physical and chemical methods. It can be concluded that J. carnea leaf extract can be used effectively in the production of potential antioxidant AgNPs which could be useful in various bio-applications such as cosmetics, food and biomedical industry.

We describe the discovery of histone deacetylase (HDACs) 1, 2, and 3 inhibitors with ethyl ketone as the zinc-binding group. These HDACs 1, 2, and 3 inhibitors have good enzymatic and cellular activity. Their serum shift in cellular potency has been minimized, and selectivity against hERG has been improved. They are also highly selective over HDACs 6 and 8. These inhibitors contain a variety of substituted heterocycles on the imidazole or oxazole scaffold. Compounds 31 and 48 stand out due to their good potency, high selectivity over HDACs 6 and 8, reduced hERG activity, optimized serum shift in cellular potency, and good rat and dog PK profiles.

Summary: Aim and Scope: To investigate the biochemical and hormonal parameters in metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic female wistar rats administered leaf extract of Kigelia africana. Methods: A total of thirty female wistar rats were grouped into: (i) Normal control (n = 5) and (ii) Experimental (n =25) to induce hyperprolactinemia. The experimental group was divided into five groups of five animals each, given a total of six in all. Group 1 received the distilled water alone; Group2 was metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic rats only; Group3 comprised of metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic rats administered bromocriptine (2.5mgKg−1b.wt.) Groups 4–6 were metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemic rats administered 100, 200 and 400 mgKg−1 b.wt. K. africana methanol extract respectively. After treatments, biochemical and hormonal parameters were analyzed. Results: The study observed significant increase (P0.05) of cholesterol and protein levels were obtained in experimental rats treated with K.africana extract as against the normal control and hyperprolactinemia control. Conclusion: The extract, especially at the dosage of 400 mgKg−1b.wt could ameliorate hyperprolactinemia in rats. Fertility hormones can be improved by K.africana extract through its stimulatory effect.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the hazards associated with oyster from two communities in Rivers State and provides an insight at improving the safety of oyster through the application of the hazards analysis critical control points (HACCP) concept in processing freshly harvested mangrove oysters. Study Design: This work is based on completely randomized design with two replications and the average values calculated for mean comparison. Place and Duration of Study: Food and Industrial Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, between October 2018 and March, 2019. Methodology: The proximate composition, pH and bacterial profile of oysters prepared conventionally and that prepared employing critical control points concept determined using standard methods. Results: The proximate composition of oyster meat revealed the following: moisture (83.73%), protein (8.36%), lipid (1.28%), fiber (1.04%), carbohydrate (2.12%) and ash content (3.47%). The average aerobic plate count for Abuloma and Okrika were 5.69 and 6.98 log10CFU/g respectively while coliform count was 5.37 and 5.02log10CFU/g respectively. Two bacterial genera (Staphylococcus and Bacillus) were isolated from oyster processed with HACCP approach at the last critical control point 7, whereas, nine bacterial genera (Bacillus, Streptococcus, Vibrio, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas) were isolated from the conventionally processed oysters. Conclusion: The HACCP concept gave an improved microbiological quality of oyster meat and the safety of oyster and potential economic value.