Controlling bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) (Genus Comovirus of soybean with spatial arrangement of maize-soybean in southeastern Nigeria

Field cultural practices of controlling Bean Pod Mottle Virus (BPMV) (genus comovirus) disease, involving thirteen spatial arrangements of maize/soybean (M:S) were studied for 2 years in Nsukka agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Thirteen spatial arrangements of maize/soybean (M:S) constituted a factor while the health conditions of soybean plants (healthy and infected) constituted another factor. The thirteen spatial arrangements of maize/soybean (M:S) studied differed significantly in the incidence of BPMV disease. Spatial arrangement of 2:4 recorded the highest (82.5%) incidence, though statistically similar with spatial arrangements of 0:4(sole soyabean) (71.3%), 1:4 (76.3%) and 3:4 (70.0%). spatial arrangement of 3:1 recorded the lowest (7.5%) incidence though statistically similar with spatial arrangement of 1:1 (13.8%) and 1:2 (18.9%). Spatial arrangement of 1:2 recorded the highest (69.4) number of pods and grain yields (1.42t/ha), while the spatial arrangement, 3:1 recorded the lowest (40.80) number of pods and grain yield. Health conditions of the soybean plant affected significantly the yield. Healthy soybean plant produced the highest (1.49t/ha) grain yield while infected soybean plant produced the lowest grain yield.of 0..82 t / ha. Keywords: Spatial arrangement, Bean leaf beetle, Bean pod Mottl virus, Maize, Soybean.Agro-Science Vol. 3 (2) 2006: pp. 27-3

Sand dredging impact on macrobenthic invertebrates of a hallowed river in Delta State of Nigeria

River Ethiope is one of the most revered water bodies in Delta State by communities along its course. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from threes communities; Obi- Iloh, Ebedei-Adonishaka, Ebedei Obi-Ukwuole designated as Station 1, 2 and 3 respectively, that forbids women entrance but allows men folk to sand dredge. The survey conducted between March and April, 2015, identified 17 taxa of macro invertebrate with 219 individuals. Of the nine order, Hemiptera constituted the most abundant set 42.25%, followed by Decapoda 16.90%, Coleoptera 11.74%, Plecoptera and Arachnida 6.57%, Odonata 5.16%, Diptera 4.23%, Annelida(Lumbriculida and Arhynchobdelida) 3.76% and the least Trichoptera 2.82%. However, non-statistical significant richness exists among these organisms at the stations (p ≥0.05). Computed biological indices and lower macro invertebrates census revealed that the macro invertebrates were more abundant in stations 3 and 1 than in station 2, identifying the last two stations as unstable and moderately deteriorated. The enlisted significant correlated variables expressed manifold hydrological factors pinpointing human disturbance as impact

Prophylactic effect of paw-paw leaf and bitter leaf extracts on the incidence of foliar myco-pathogens of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ishiagu, Nigeria

The aqueous extracts of the leaves of paw-paw (Carica papaya) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) were used to investigate their prophylactic effects on the incidence of myco-pathogens of groundnut inIshiagu, south eastern Nigeria. Two field experiments were conducted: pre-soaking of the seeds before sowing and post-germination spraying. Both experiments had significant effects (P < 0.05) on the disease incidence of the pathogens. In the pre-soaking experiment, the incidence was drastically reduced to 2.17% (for PL15–BL20 treatment combination) being the lowest disease incidence. Postgermination spraying proved efficacious on the disease incidence by reducing the disease incidence toas low as 2.20% for PL25–BL25 treatment combination. It is therefore recommended that both methods be used at the sowing and germinated stages respectively for better effective results

Efficacy of Stamina 50 (Thiocyclam hydrogenoxalate) on Coelaenomenodera elaeidis (Coleoptera – Chrysomelidae – Hispinae) in Okomu oil palm plantation, Nigeria

Efficacy of Stamina 50, Thiocyclam hydrogenoxalate was evaluated for its bio-insecticidal control on Coelaenomenodera elaeidis larvae, pupae and adult forms, at Okomu oil palm plantation, Nigeria. The experimental plot was 10.2Ha compared with similar untreated plot. Observations were made for 4 weeks after treatment, for dead leaf miner populations. Data were subjected to one way analysis of variance, independent sample T-test and testing for significant difference on the effect of insecticidal treatment on leaf miner populations. Results indicated that exposure to the insecticide at 500g per Kg induced high mortality against the leaf miner. The highest population of dead leaf miner external adult was observed one day after treatment. Total percentage mortality of leaf miner was 89.13% (treatment) and 28.40% (control) indicating effective control. Spot application of stamina 50 was selective on leaf miner and is therefore recommended as a control measure for the leaf miner in Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Local Competition Between Foraging Relatives: Growth and Survival of Bruchid Beetle Larvae

Kin selection theory states that when resources are limited and all else is equal, individuals will direct competition away from kin. However, when competition between relatives is completely local, as is the case in granivorous insects whose larval stages spend their lives within a single seed, this can reduce or even negate the kin-selected benefits. Instead, an increase in competition may have the same detrimental effects on individuals that forage with kin as those that forage with non-kin. In a factorial experiment we assessed the effects of relatedness and competition over food on the survival and on fitness-related traits of the bruchid beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. Relatedness of competitors did not affect the survival of larvae. Larval survival substantially decreased with increasing larval density, and we found evidence that beetles maturing at a larger size were more adversely affected by competition, resulting in lower survival rates. Furthermore, females showed a reduction in their growth rate with increasing larval density, emerging smaller after the same development time. Males increased their growth rate, emerging earlier but at a similar size when food was more limited. Our results add to the growing number of studies that fail to show a relationship between relatedness and a reduction in competition between relatives in closed systems, and emphasize the importance of the scale at which competition between relatives occurs

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Maize earworm attack as influenced by varying maize spatial arrangement and population in maize-soybean mixture

The effect of spatial arrangement and maize population in maize-soybean mixture on maize earworm attack was studied at Nsukka, Nigeria for four years, 1997-2000. The treatment consisted of three maize population densities of 40,000, 60,000 and 80,000 plants ha-1, and three row-arrangements of maize: soybean mixtures of 1:1. 1:2 and 1:3 in all possible combinations. There were also three sole crop populations of maize and one of soybean. This resulted in 13 treatments which were laid out in field plots in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The result showed that intercropping maize and soybean did not reduce maize earworm infestation. Maize population at 80,000 plants ha-1 significantly reduced the infestation by maize earworm and maize cob sizes compared to populations at 40,000 or 60,000 plants ha-1 (P = 0.05). Highly significant positive correlations were established in all the years between earworm population and maize ear sizes. The correlation between damage incidence and severity were inconsistent Land equivalent ratios (LER) at 40,000 and 60,000 maize ha-1 were significantly higher than LER at 80,000 maize ha-1. The differences among the spatial arrangement and its interaction with maize population did not attain any level of statistical significance. . Keywords: Maize earworm, Spatial arrangement, Maize population, Maize-Soybean mixture Agro-Science Vol. 4 (1) 2005: pp. 60-6