Effect of Palm Bunch Ash on Soil pH And Growth of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L)

A field experiment to assess the effect Palm Bunch Ash (PBA), at various levels (0, 2, 4t/ha) on the pH of soil and growth of Cucumis sativus at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, was conducted. Soil samples (0 – 15cm) before and after application, from the experimental plots were collected, and analyzed with standard methods for pH and nutrients. Also, Palm Bunch Ash (PBA) sub-sampled, and analyzed with standard methods for pH used for the experiment. A total of 9 treatments were used with A0 (Control), A2 and A4, where A represents PBA, and the subscripts 0, 2 and 4 represent the treatment levels. The experiment was a 1x3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. 18 seeds of cucumber (2 per hole) from NSPRI, Rumueme, Port Harcourt were planted on each treatment plot of 2 x 2m at a plant spacing of 45 × 45cm. Thereafter, it was thinned to one (1) per hole after emergence. This implies that, there were a total number of 10,000 plants per hectare. Growth parameters include shoot height (cm), 3, 6 and 9WAP, and Number of leaves, 3, 6 and 9WAP. Data generated from field were subjected to one-way ANOVA test using the Minitab package and the means were separated using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference at 95% probability. The results revealed that pH increased (p<0.05) as the amendment level increased in the treated soil with the highest 6.00 of 4t/ha. Also, there was significant effect (p<0.05) on growth, as the PBA level increased in the treated soil with the highest values  13.97cm recorded in 2t/ha, and 48.13cm and 77.90cm recorded in 4t/ha for 3, 6, and 9WAP. Similarly, for number of leaves, the highest values were recorded in 4t/ha, also for 3, 6, and 9WAP.  Hence, PBA is recommended as good amendments for acid soil neutralizer and nutrient buffer and supplier to the soil and ultimately to plants

HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.) GRAIN GROWN ON DIFFERENT DUMPSITE SOILS

This study was carried out at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, in Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Nigeria with the aim of investigating heavy metal accumulation in maize grain grown on different dumpsite soils. Soils used were collected from three different locations with the control; Njemanze Dumpsite, Mile One Flyover Dumpsite and Chinda by Iwofe Dumpsite and analyzed for the presence of the following heavy metals; Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Silver (Ag), Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg). Soil from Rivers State University Botanical Garden was used as control soil. The soils were analysed using the American Public Health Association (APHA 3111C) method to determine the heavy metal concentration level. The seeds of maize were sown into polybags containing the different soils and the maize plants were allowed to grow to maturity. The result showed the presence of heavy metals in all soil samples with Mile One Flyover Dumpsite having the highest concentrations (Cd; 46.771, Cr; 61.885, Ag 18.629, Pb; 354.386, Hg; 170.474) and RSU (Control soil) had the least concentrations (Cd; <0.001, Cr; 12.295, Ag; <0.001, Pb; <0.001, Hg; <0.0005) of the metals. The heavy metals in the maize grains of the matured maize plants were analysed. The result showed the maize grains of the plants in the soil from Mile One Flyover Dumpsite had high concentrations while the control soil from Rivers State University had low concentrations except Cr that was slightly high when compared to WHO standard

Human leukocyte antigen B*57 does not fully explain hepatitis C clearance in HIV controllers

ObjectiveHIV controllers demonstrate high rates of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B*57 and other genetic polymorphisms on HCV clearance in HIV controllers.DesignThis is a prospective cohort study.MethodsPatients in the Study of the Consequences of Protease Inhibitor Era (SCOPE) were tested for anti-HCV using enzyme immunoassay (EIA3) and HCV RNA using discriminatory HCV transcription-mediated amplification assay (Norvatis). We compared the proportion of HIV controllers and noncontrollers demonstrating HCV clearance and fitted multivariable Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and assessed genetic and immunologic predictors of HCV clearance.ResultsOf 279 HIV/HCV seropositive individuals, 48 were HIV controllers. HIV controllers compared to HIV noncontrollers, were significantly more likely to have HLA B*57 (33 vs. 10%, P < 0.01). In multivariate analyses, adjusting for HLAB57, IL28B genotype, age, sex and race/ethnicity, HCV clearance was significantly more likely in HIV controllers than HIV noncontrollers [APR 1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-3.0; P = 0.03]. HLA B*57 did not explain the increased proportion of HCV clearance in HIV controllers, but IL28B CC genotype was independently associated with spontaneous HCV clearance (APR 2.76; 95% CI 1.85-4.11; P < 0.001).ConclusionAlthough enriched in HIV controllers, HLA B*57 does not explain the increased HCV clearance. Further identification of host immunologic or genetic factors that contribute to control of HIV and HCV may support the development of novel treatments for and effective vaccines against both viruses

Ebola virus disease contact tracing activities, lessons learned and best practices during the Duport Road outbreak in Monrovia, Liberia, November 2015

<div><p>Background</p><p>Contact tracing is one of the key response activities necessary for halting Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission. Key elements of contact tracing include identification of persons who have been in contact with confirmed EVD cases and careful monitoring for EVD symptoms, but the details of implementation likely influence their effectiveness. In November 2015, several months after a major Ebola outbreak was controlled in Liberia, three members of a family were confirmed positive for EVD in the Duport Road area of Monrovia. The cluster provided an opportunity to implement and evaluate modified approaches to contact tracing.</p><p>Methods</p><p>The approaches employed for improved contact tracing included classification and risk-based management of identified contacts (including facility based isolation of some high risk contacts, provision of support to persons being monitored, and school-based surveillance for some persons with potential exposure but not listed as contacts), use of phone records to help locate missing contacts, and modifications to data management tools. We recorded details about the implementation of these approaches, report the overall outcomes of the contact tracing efforts and the challenges encountered, and provide recommendations for management of future outbreaks.</p><p>Results</p><p>165 contacts were identified (with over 150 identified within 48 hours of confirmation of the EVD cases) and all initially missing contacts were located. Contacts were closely monitored and promptly tested if symptomatic; no contacts developed disease. Encountered challenges related to knowledge gaps among contact tracing staff, data management, and coordination of contact tracing activities with efforts to offer Ebola vaccine.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The Duport Road EVD cluster was promptly controlled. Missing contacts were effectively identified, and identified contacts were effectively monitored and rapidly tested. There is a persistent risk of EVD reemergence in Liberia; the experience controlling each cluster can help inform future Ebola control efforts in Liberia and elsewhere.</p></div