The Potential of visible light spectra as control measure of Mosquito, the vector of Plasmodium

The control and or eradication of Mosquito, the vector of Plasmodium, is a major aspect of the prevention or eradication of malaria. The study investigated the potential of visible light spectra in the control of mosquito. Mosquito larvae were irradiated with light (blue, green, yellow, red and white lights) two hours daily (8am – 10am) for fourteen days. Ambient light served as the Control treatment. The irradiation (640 lux) was by 25 watts incandescent bulbs inside aluminum foil wrapped in plastic containers.10 newly hatched mosquito larvae were exposed under each treatment replicated thrice. Development of larvae to pupae, pupae to adult and mortality of larvae, pupa and adult were recorded daily. Data obtained were expressed as percentages, mean(±SD) and compared by analysis of variance; significant means were separated by Duncan multiple range test at p<0.05. Larvae mortality was significantly (p<0.05) higher under the coloured lights compared to the control; yellow light elicited the highest significant (p<0.05) larvae mortality (8.17±.408; 81.7%), followed by white (5.33±.516), blue (5.17±.408), green (4.83±.408) and red (4.00±.894) lights. The percentage of undeveloped larvae was significantly (p<0.05) the highest under blue light. While yellow light resulted in highest larvae mortality and blue light suppressed larvae development. Yellow and blue light therefore, have the potential for use as environment friendly means of controlling mosquito

Physicochemical parameters of the Lekki Lagoon in relation to abundance of Wenyonia sp Woodland, 1923 (Cestoda: Caryophyllidae) in Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758)

Parasitic infection of fish is seen worldwide, and they are of particular interest in the tropics. Reports indicate that parasite infections in fishes lead to a disruption in aquaculture production. This study was undertaken to determine the association between physicochemical parameters and the abundance of Wenyonia sp Woodland, 1923 in Synodontis clarias collected from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 180 Synodontis clarias were investigated between April 2019 and March 2020. The physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids of the surface water at the Lekki Lagoon were assessed in situ using the Horiba U50 multi-water sampler at three (3) Points, 500 metres apart. There was a positive correlation between parasite abundance and all the physicochemical parameters investigated. Water temperature showed a positive correlation with pH and turbidity and a negative correlation with electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids. The results showed that the statistical T-value (-2.72) of the parasite abundance between the male and the female fish was lower than the critical T-value (1.98), indicating no significant difference in the levels of infections between the male and female fish samples. In conjunction with future data, the data produced in this study can be used in monitoring the aquatic habitat for informed remediation of the lagoon to aid the preservation of the ecological services rendered by the aquatic ecosystem

Potential of Light Spectra as a Control of Cowpea Weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, Activity

Damage of stored cowpea by the weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, is of great concern in Nigeria. The study investigated the potential of light spectra in the control of the bean weevil; In the first trial, ten individual bean weevils were directly irradiated with green, yellow, red and white and ambient(control) light generated by electric bulbs at 25 Watts. In the second trial, ten individual weevils were housed with 700 bean seeds and exposed to the light spectra. Each light treatment was replicated thrice and weevils were exposed for two hours daily for 10days. Mortality of the bean weevils was monitored daily, and percentage bean damage was determined in 10days. Data obtained were expressed as mean (±��);���� damaged beans were compared by analysis of variance and separated by Duncan multiple range test at p<0.05. Under direct exposure, the highest mortality rate was recorded under blue light in the first five days followed by red light. From day six to nine, the highest mortality was recorded under the white light followed by blue and red. The highest mortality was recorded under white light followed by red and blue light under indirect exposure (with beans). Percentage bean seed damage was significantly (p≤0.05) lower under white (1.38%), blue (1.53, 2.38%) and red (2.48%) lights; a significantly (p<0.05) higher bean damage was recorded under ambient light (17.81%). White, blue and red lights were lethal to beans weevil by killing them and reducing their activities

Distribution of radionuclides and assessment of risk exposure to the miners on a kaolin field

Mining of kaolin deposits are common in Nigeria without considering the background radiation in such environment and the health risks it might pose on the miners. In this study, in-situ measurements of the naturally occurring radionuclides were carried out with the aim of determining the distribution of these radionuclides on the mining field and estimation of the hazard indices exposure risks (γ- and α-radiation risks) to the miners. The study was achieved with the aid of gamma ray detector Super-Spec (RS-125) and global positioning system. The detector used has ability to measure activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K and gamma doses. For the purpose of this study, only the concentrations of the three radionuclides were considered. For each location, measurements were taken four times, while its mean value was estimated for better accuracy. In all, nineteen locations were occupied in order to cover the study area. Basic kriging method was adopted for the production of spatial distribution of these radionuclides and their corresponding γ- and α-radiation hazard indices. The mean values of 238U, 232Th and 40K are 46.7, 71.8 and 108.7 Bq kg-1 , respectively. When compared to the global standard, it was revealed that 238U and 232Th are greater than the global standard, while 40K fall below the permissible limit. The γ- and α-radiation exposure risks estimated revealed that the mean values of Iγ and Iα are 0.6 and 0.2 respectively. Though the estimated γ- and α-radiation indices showed that the kaolin field is safe for the miners, periodic check is required in order to monitor the rate at which these natural primordial radionuclides (238U and 232Th and their progenies) are being enhanced

Health risk indices and zooplankton‑based assessment of a tropical rainforest river contaminated with iron, lead, cadmium, and chromium

Oil exploration’s devastation on health and the environment may far outweigh its economic benefits. An oil spill occurred at Egbokodo River in Delta State, Nigeria, thereby polluting the land and water bodies. The study was therefore aimed at evaluating the impacts of iron, lead, cadmium, and chromium on the zooplankton community structure of Egbokodo River and the potential health risks. Zooplankton and surface water samples were collected to investigate the concentrations of trace metals and zooplankton abundance. The associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of the metals in the water were analyzed. Trace metal concentrations in the surface water were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (Philips model PU 9100) and zooplankton samples were collected using a hydrobios plankton net (mesh size 25 μm). Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and oil and grease (OG) were determined using Agilent 7890B gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and volumetric analysis respectively. The trend of the abundance of zooplanktons cross the river was 18 individuals (Station A) < 100 individuals (Station B) < 155 individuals (Station C). Cyclopoida proved to be the most resilient to the impacts of the oil spill. On a taxa basis, the order of abundance among Calanoida, Cyclopoida, Cladoceran, and Harpacticoida was Station C > Station B > Station A, except in Amphipoda where Station B > Station C > Station A was observed. Iron and lead posed significant carcinogenic risks that are liable to be inflicted by the ingestion of the water. The cumulative non-carcinogenic health risk in the male was the only significant (> 1) among the age groups. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), oil and grease (OG), iron, and lead had notable impacts on the general abundance of zooplankton in the aquatic habitat. The dominance of the Cyclopoida in the river buttressed the impact of the oil spill which warrants a prompt remediation measure. The pollution had notable ecological impacts on the zooplankton community structure of the aquatic habitat. The adults in the nearby human populations are liable to elicit carcinogenic health challenges associated with lead and iron ingestion. The males are at risk of non-carcinogenic illnesses which are associated with the combined toxicity effects of all the metals. The study suggests that the pollution in Egbokodo River was validated by the dominance of the Cyclopoida in the aquatic habitat. The study confers bioindicator reputation on the Cyclopoida for future biomonitoring studies

Investigating and combatting the key drivers of viral zoonoses in Africa: an analysis of eight epidemics

Investigating the interplay of factors that result in a viral zoonotic outbreak is difficult, though it is increasingly important. As anthropogenic influences shift the delicate balance of ecosystems, new zoonoses emerge in humans. Sub-Saharan Africa is a notable hotspot for zoonotic disease due to abundant competent mammalian reservoir hosts. Furthermore, poverty, corruption, and an overreliance on natural resources play considerable roles in depleting biological resources, exacerbating the population’s susceptibility. Unsurprisingly, viral zoonoses have emerged in Africa, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Avian influenza, Lassa fever, Zika, and Monkeypox. These diseases are among the principal causes of death in endemic areas. Though typically distinct in their manifestations, viral zoonoses are connected by underlying, definitive factors. This review summarises vital findings on viral zoonoses in Africa using nine notable case studies as a benchmark for future studies. We discuss the importance of ecological recuperation and protection as a central strategy to control zoonotic diseases. Emphasis was made on moderating key drivers of zoonotic diseases to forestall future pandemics. This is in conjunction with attempts to redirect efforts from reactive to pre-emptive through a multidisciplinary “one health” approach

Chapter 31 - Application of nanochitosan in tagging and nano-barcoding of aquatic and animal meats

Nanochitosans obtained from crustacean shells are biodegradable and biocompatible offering valuable functional, nutritional, and binding properties. Their low toxicity favors diverse industrial applications in various research models and can enable their use in the tagging of commercially sold aquatic and animal meat, easily contaminated by microbial sources during packaging, storage, and transportation. In this capacity, nanochitosans have been applied in fingerprinting for tracking and identifying the manufacturing and expiry dates of commercially sold meats and fish, as well as delivery of antioxidants and antimicrobials in these food products without affecting product consistency, composition, and organoleptic property. This chapter reviews current research on chitosan-based nanoparticles as barcodes and biosensors in tagging and monitoring aquatic and animal meats; and highlights methods of fish tagging and coding, and the benefits as well as the properties of materials used as biosensors in nano-barcoding of fish and meat

Microbiological Assessment of Commercial Yogurt Sold in Ota Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria

Ten authorized Yogurt products purchased within Ota metropolis, Ogun State of Nigeria were subjected to pH, Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Fungal Count (TFC) analysis. pH values were in the range of 4.05 to 5.50, the TBC and TFC values ranged between 1.0 x 103 - 5.0 x 105 cfu/ml and 1.0 x 103- 5.0 x 105 cfu/ml respectively. Eleven bacterial isolates were detected in the yogurt samples. Lactobacillus spp. and Bacillus spp. constituted 16% of the total microbial load, Corynebacterium spp., Klebsiela spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. constituted 8% while Proteus spp., Micrococcus spp., Shigella spp., Listeria spp., and Streptococcus spp. constituted 4%. Fungal isolates obtained were Mucor spp. (22%), Geotrichum spp. (17%), Montospora spp. (11%), while Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., and Fusanrium spp. constituted 6%.The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that the isolates exhibited susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin and resisted Nitrofurantoin, Augumentin, Cefixime, Ceufuroxime, Gentamicin and Ceftazidime. The isolates were plasmid encoded, with size range of 20,000- 40,000 Kilo base pairs. Result show no significant difference within the bacteria isolates (P> 0.05), while the fungi isolates showed significant difference (P<0.05). Significant difference also occurred between the bacteria and the fungi isolate (P< 0.05)

Significance of African Diets in Biotherapeutic Modulation of the Gut Microbiome

Diet plays an essential role in human development and growth, contributing to health and well-being. The socio-economic values, cultural perspectives, and dietary formulation in sub-Saharan Africa can influence gut health and disease prevention. The vast microbial ecosystems in the human gut frequently interrelate to maintain a healthy, well-coordinated cellular and humoral immune signalling to prevent metabolic dysfunction, pathogen dominance, and induction of systemic diseases. The diverse indigenous diets could differentially act as biotherapeutics to modulate microbial abundance and population characteristics. Such modulation could prevent stunted growth, malnutrition, induction of bowel diseases, attenuated immune responses, and mortality, particularly among infants. Understanding the associations between specific indigenous African diets and the predictability of the dynamics of gut bacteria genera promises potential biotherapeutics towards improving the prevention, control, and treatment of microbiome-associated diseases such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The dietary influence of many African diets (especially grain-base such as millet, maize, brown rice, sorghum, soya, and tapioca) promotes gut lining integrity, immune tolerance towards the microbiota, and its associated immune and inflammatory responses. A fibre-rich diet is a promising biotherapeutic candidate that could effectively modulate inflammatory mediators’ expression associated with immune cell migration, lymphoid tissue maturation, and signalling pathways. It could also modulate the stimulation of cytokines and chemokines involved in ensuring balance for long-term microbiome programming. The interplay between host and gut microbial digestion is complex; microbes using and competing for dietary and endogenous proteins are often attributable to variances in the comparative abundances of Enterobacteriaceae taxa. Many auto-inducers could initiate the process of quorum sensing and mammalian epinephrine host cell signalling system. It could also downregulate inflammatory signals with microbiota tumour taxa that could trigger colorectal cancer initiation, metabolic type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The exploitation of essential biotherapeutic molecules derived from fibre-rich indigenous diet promises food substances for the downregulation of inflammatory signalling that could be harmful to gut microbiota ecological balance and improved immune response modulation