Assessment of Ectoparasites and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Hemichromis Fasciatus, Liza Falcipinnis and Sarotherodon Galileus

Ectoparasites and heavy metal pollution pose health risks to both wild and aquaculture fish species. Here, we examine the ectoparasites of fish species (Hemichromis fasciatus, Liza falcipinnis and Sarotherodon galileus) from Abalama and Ilelema locations of the Buguma Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria, over a period of six months (February to July, 2020). Fish tissues (muscles, gills and gut) were also examined for heavy metals (Cr, Cd and Pb). Parasitological investigations were done following standard procedures, as well as the heavy metal analysis which was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after dry ashing-acid digestion. Two ectoparasites were isolated: Zeylanicobdella arugamensis from L. falcipinnis at both locations and Cymothoa exigua from H. fasciatus at Ilelema. In surface water, Cr concentration was <0.003µg/l throughout the study period; Cd concentrations ranged between 0.06µg/l and 0.09µg/l at both locations, while Pb values were 0.29µg/l - 0.64µg/l at Abalama, and 0.56µg/l – 0.71µg/l at Ilelema. These values were within international acceptable standards. In fish tissues, however, Cr values were <0.003µg/g in both locations throughout the study period. At Abalama, Cd ranged between 7.18µg/g and 8.15µg/g, and Pb between 72.83µg/g and 92.23µg/g. At Ilelema, Cd concentrations were between 7.56µg/g and 8.67µg/g while Pb values ranged between 78.32µg/g and 92.88µg/g. Differences in heavy metal concentrations in both water and fish tissues between both locations were not statistically significant (p>0.05). All fish species and tissues bioaccumulated appreciable concentrations of the heavy metals. Cr in fish tissues was within permissible limits, but all Cd and Pb values exceeded international permissible limits

Helminth community structure and diet of three Afrotropical anuran species: a test of the interactive-versus-isolationist parasite communities hypothesis

The interactive-versus-isolationist hypothesis predicts that parasite communities should be depauperated and weakly structured by interspecific competition in amphibians. A parasitological survey was carried out to test this hypothesis using three anuran species from Nigeria, tropical Africa (one Bufonidae; two Ranidae). High values of parasite infection parameters were found in all three species, which were infected by nematodes, cestodes and trematodes. Nonetheless, the parasite communities of the three anurans were very depauperated in terms of number of species (4 to 6). Interspecific competition was irrelevant in all species, as revealed by null models and Monte Carlo permutations. Cluster analyses revealed that, in terms of parasite community composition, the two Ranidae were similar, whereas the Bufonidae was more different. However, when prevalence, intensity, and abundance of parasites are combined into a multivariate analysis, each anuran species was clearly spaced apart from the others, thus revealing considerable species-specific differences in terms of their parasite communities. All anurans were generalists and probably opportunistic in terms of dietary habits, and showed no evidence of interspecific competition for food. Overall, our data are widely consistent with expectations driven from the interactive-versus-isolationist parasite communities hypothesis

Influence of Habitat Structure and Ecological Zones on Amphibian Diversity in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of habitat structure on the species diversity of anurans of Rivers State, Nigeria.  This research was conducted between 2015 and 2019. The survey covered seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) and three ecological zones (lowland forest, freshwater swamp and short mangrove). The habitats included farmlands, fallow areas, swamps, streams and inundated areas, bush paths, human settlements and forested areas. Visual encounter and acoustic survey methods were used and species identification was aided by appropriate taxonomical keys. Diversity indices were computed using Past-exe statistical software. Nineteen amphibian species were encountered including members of the Arthroleptidae, Bufonidae, Dicroglossidae, Ranidae, Hyperoliidae, Ptychadenidae and Pipidae. Freshwater swamps and short mangrove ecological zones (characterized by human settlements and farmlands) had the lowest diversity of two and five amphibian species, respectively. The highest diversity comprised of eighteen amphibian species was recorded in forested habitats of the lowland forest/freshwater swamp ecological zone. 569 individuals were encountered at lowland forest/freshwater swamp ecological zone; 215 at lowland forest; 60 at short mangrove; and 28 at freshwater swamp ecological zone. Shannon diversity was highest in the lowland/freshwater swamp ecological zone (H=2.12) and lowest in the freshwater swamp zone (H=0.52). The results show that forested habitats comprised of the combination of lowland forest and freshwater swamp ecosystems host a greater diversity of amphibian species. We therefore recommend that lowland and freshwater swamp ecosystems in the State should be protected to support greater diversity of amphibians

Nesting trees used by a pest bird (Village Weaver, Ploceus cucullatus): a large field survey suggests further human conflicts with local stakeholders in Southern Nigeria

The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) is a common colonial nesting bird widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is known to weave its nests from leaf strips from a variety of tree species (mainly coconuts trees, oil palm trees) associated with human settlement areas, grasses, and other available plants. In this regard, this bird was considered a pest for its impact on different economic activities. Although extensive literature is already available on the parasitic role of village weavers, there is still a lack of analytical data that outlines which tree species are used for nesting and in what proportion, as well as the related implications in terms of economic impacts. Here, we carried out the first comprehensive arrangement of trees used by this species for nesting in Southern Nigeria (West Africa), checking for possible different impacts on stakeholders. In April 2021, we searched for village weaver nesting in 95 sites in 77 communities from 24 local government areas in Southern Nigeria, during 14 field surveys. Within each site, we collected GPS coordinates and counted the number of active nests, nesting birds and occupied trees. We recorded a total of 5,776 nests and 2,140 birds in 94 plants belonging to 23 tree species selected for nesting. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis; n = 45) was the most used tree species, as 2,990 (51.77%) nests and 873 (40.79%) birds were recorded. Our results indicate the preference for nesting on trees used by stakeholders belonging to agricultural (palm farmers), touristic (operators) and energy (gas flare stations) sectors with economic implications about the conflict with this pest species

Associated microbial contaminants in in-vitro micropropagation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas l)

Studies were carried out to determine the microbial contaminants associated with in-vitro micropropagation of Ipomea batatas (sweet potato). The contaminants were found to be mostly fungal organisms, Aspergillus Spp (62%), Penicillum Spp. (31%), Fusarium Spp. (5%) and Alternaria Spp.(2%). Bacterial contamination was insignificant compared to the fungal population. Aspergillus Spp were the dominant contaminants affecting this crop in vitro. Stunted growth, chlorosis and necrosis of the leaves as well as death of propagules were some of the effects of the contaminants on the performance of the plant in vitro. Minimal conditions for managing the plant in vitro to eliminate contaminations were also suggested. The implications of these findings in the production of disease free propagules of Ipomea batatas were discussed.Keywords: Ipomoea batatas, sweet potato, micro-propagation, microbial contaminants, fung

Improved intervention of atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy through biodegradable polymer-encapsulated delivery of glycosphingolipid inhibitor

D-Threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP), a glycosphingolipid synthesis inhibitor, holds promise for the treatment of atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy but rapid in vivo clearance has severely hindered translation to the clinic. To overcome this impediment, we used a materials-based delivery strategy wherein D-PDMP was encapsulated within a biodegradable polymer composed of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and sebacic acid (SA). PEG-SA was formulated into nanoparticles that were doped with ¹²⁵I-labeled PEG to allow in vivo bio-distribution and release kinetics of D-PDMP to be determined by using γ-scintigraphy and subsequently, by mass spectrometry. Polymer-encapsulation increased the residence time of D-PDMP in the body of a treated mouse from less than one hour to at least four hours (and up to 48 h or longer). This substantially increased in vivo longevity provided by polymer encapsulation resulted in an order of magnitude gain in efficacy for interfering with atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy in apoE−/− mice fed a high fat and high cholesterol (HFHC) diet. These results establish that D-PDMP encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer provides a superior mode of delivery compared to unconjugated D-PDMP by way of increased gastrointestinal absorption and increased residence time thus providing this otherwise rapidly cleared compound with therapeutic relevance in interfering with atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and probably other diseases associated with the deleterious effects of abnormally high glycosphingolipid biosynthesis or deficient catabolism.11 page(s

Study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial of hybrid parents and health workers adaptive intervention for optimal routine childhood immunisation coverage in the communities of Ebonyi state, Nigeria: the AGINTOPIC trial protocol

Introduction Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases (VPDs) are major causes of morbidity/mortality among children under 5 years of age worldwide and in Nigeria/Ebonyi state. Routine childhood immunisation is an invaluable prevention strategy for many VPDs. Due to suboptimal coverage and untimely receipt/delay in receipt of vaccinations, outbreaks of VPDs such as measles, yellow fever, diphtheria and others continue to reoccur around the world and in Nigeria/Ebonyi state. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hybrid parents and health workers adaptive intervention in increasing the optimal/timely (cumulative age-appropriate) routine childhood immunisation coverage in the communities in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.Methods and analyses A two-arm, parallel, open label, covariate-constrained cluster-randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation of 16 geographical clusters (the nearest catchment areas for at least one public primary healthcare (PHC) facility with at least 500 households or a population size of 3000) will be used to evaluate the effects of hybrid/combined parents and PHC workers adaptive engagement compared with control. The primary outcomes are the optimal/timely (cumulative age-appropriate) receipt of the recommended vaccines in the routine childhood immunisation schedule by children aged 5–9 completed months and 10–11 completed months and the age-appropriate vaccines receipt score for the recommended vaccines. The outcomes will be measured through a population-based household survey of at least 15 children aged 5–9 and 10–11 months per cluster at baseline and at the end of the study using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire in KoBoCollect installed in android devices. All analyses will be done using a cluster-level method on as-randomised basis.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval for the trial was obtained from the Ebonyi State Health Research and Ethics Committee (EBSHREC/01/06/2022–31/05/2023) and verbal consent will be obtained from participants. Study findings will be reported at local/national and international levels as appropriate.Trial registration number ISRCTN59811905

Aspects of species richness and seasonality of amphibians and reptiles in the Coastal Barrier Island of Brass (Nigeria)

Summary. — The ecology of the communities of amphibians and reptiles are nearly unknown in the coastal barrier island forests of the Niger Delta, southern Nigeria. In this paper, we examine aspects of species richness and phenology of amphibians and reptiles at several sites of Brass Island, one of the main coastal barrier islands of Nigeria. We employed a suite of field methods to capture specimens, and performed an equal field effort during both dry and wet seasons. Overall, we captured 31 species belonging to 17 families. For amphibians, we collected one species of Pipidae and Ranidae, and two of Ptychadenidae, Bufonidae, and Hyperoliidae. For reptiles, we captured one species of Agamidae, Varanidae, Chamaeleonidae, Typhlopidae, Viperidae, and Pelomedusidae, two of Boidae, Testudinidae and Crocodylidae, three of Scincidae and Elapidae, and five of Colubridae sensu lato. Fewer species were found in coastal barrier island forests than in swamp forests, mangroves or derived savannas of the Niger Delta. There was no clear seasonal effect on reptile abundance and diversity (but most species were found essentially by dry season), whereas for amphibians there was a strong seasonal effect, with higher abundances and species diversity found in wet season.Résumé. — Aspects de la richesse spécifique et de la saisonnalité des amphibiens et reptiles de l’île-barrière côtière de Brass (Nigéria). — L’écologie des communautés d’amphibiens et de reptiles des forêts des îles-barrières côtières du delta du Niger, sud du Nigéria, est pratiquement inconnue. Dans cet article nous examinons la richesse spécifique et la saisonnalité des amphibiens et reptiles en divers sites de l’île de Brass, l’une des principales îles-barrières du Nigéria. Nous avons utilisé une série de méthodes pour capturer des spécimens et conduire un effort de terrain équilibré durant les saisons sèche et humide. En tout, 31 espèces appartenant à 17 familles ont été capturées. En ce qui concerne les amphibiens, nous avons collecté une espèce pour les Pipidés et les Ranidés, deux pour les Ptychadénidés, Bufonidés et Hyperoliidés. En reptiles, nous avons capturé une espèce pour les Agamidés, Varanidés, Chamaeléonidés, Typhlopidés, Vipéridés et Pélomédusidés, deux pour les Boïdés, Testudinidés et Crocodylidés, trois pour les Scincidés et Elapidés, cinq pour les Colubridés sensu lato. Moins d’espèces ont été trouvées dans les forêts d’île-barrière côtière que dans les forêts marécageuses, mangroves ou savanes dérivées du delta du Niger. Il n’est pas apparu d’effet saison clair sur l’abondance et la diversité des reptiles (mais la plupart des espèces ont essentiellement été trouvées en saison sèche) alors que, pour les amphibiens, un tel effet s’est avéré fort, avec de plus fortes abondances et diversités spécifiques en saison des pluies.Akani Godfrey C., Luiselli Luca, Ogbeibu Anthony E., Onwuteaka John N., Chuku Edith, Osakwe J.A, Bombi Pierluigi, Amuzie Charity C., Uwagbae Michael, Gijo Harry A. Aspects of species richness and seasonality of amphibians and reptiles in the Coastal Barrier Island of Brass (Nigeria). In: Revue d'Écologie (La Terre et La Vie), tome 65, n°2, 2010. pp. 151-161

-151 - ASPECTS OF SPECIES RICHNESS AND SEASONALITY OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE COASTAL BARRIER ISLAND OF BRASS (NIgERIA)

suMMARY. -The ecology of the communities of amphibians and reptiles are nearly unknown in the coastal barrier island forests of the Niger Delta, southern Nigeria. In this paper, we examine aspects of species richness and phenology of amphibians and reptiles at several sites of Brass Island, one of the main coastal barrier islands of Nigeria. We employed a suite of field methods to capture specimens, and performed an equal field effort during both dry and wet seasons. Overall, we captured 31 species belonging to 17 families. For amphibians, we collected one species of Pipidae and Ranidae, and two of Ptychadenidae, Bufonidae, and Hyperoliidae. For reptiles, we captured one species of Agamidae, Varanidae, Chamaeleonidae, Typhlopidae, Viperidae, and Pelomedusidae, two of Boidae, Testudinidae and Crocodylidae, three of Scincidae and Elapidae, and five of Colubridae sensu lato. Fewer species were found in coastal barrier island forests than in swamp forests, mangroves or derived savannas of the Niger Delta. There was no clear seasonal effect on reptile abundance and diversity (but most species were found essentially by dry season), whereas for amphibians there was a strong seasonal effect, with higher abundances and species diversity found in wet season