Effect of Light Intensities on Growth Performance of Tetrapleura tetraptera Seedlings Schum. (Thonn.)

The study assessed the effect of varying light intensities and optimum percentage of sunlight favourable for raising Tetrapleura tetraptera seedlings. The light intensity was measured through photometer. The experiment was subjected to a control without wire mesh(T1) and three other treatments (T2, T3 and T4) covered with different layers of black wire mesh with 99.5%, 75%, 49.8% and 25% light intensities respectively. Each of the treatments was replicated six times in a completely randomized design. The plant height, leaf production and stem diameter were all monitored for 12 weeks. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed and the means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The results showed that the significance effect (P = \u3b10.05) was only observed in the seedlings height of Tetrapleuratetrapteraseedlings. However, the mean values obtained for all the parameters considered revealed the treatment 1(i.e. 99.8% wire mesh) was observed to be the best performing treatment. For the plant height, mean value ranged between 13.09 cm and 16.8 cm, a range from 0.22cm to 0.28mm was recorded for stem girth while the mean values between 22 and 27 were obtained for number of leaves among the treatments. It may be concluded from the study, that light intensity of 100% i.e without interference should be used for the growth and development as well as production of Tetrapleura tetraptera seedlings in the nursery

Non-falciparum malaria infection and IgG seroprevalence among children under 15 years in Nigeria, 2018.

Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is the dominant malaria parasite in Nigeria though P. vivax (Pv), P. ovale (Po), and P. malariae (Pm) are also endemic. Blood samples (n = 31,234) were collected from children aged 0-14 years during a 2018 nationwide HIV survey and assayed for Plasmodium antigenemia, Plasmodium DNA, and IgG against Plasmodium MSP1-19 antigens. Of all children, 6.6% were estimated to have Pm infection and 1.4% Po infection with no Pv infections detected. The highest household wealth quintile was strongly protective against infection with Pm (aOR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05-0.22) or Po (aOR= 0.01, 0.00-0.10). Overall Pm seroprevalence was 34.2% (95% CI: 33.3-35.2) with lower estimates for Po (12.1%, 11.6-12.5) and Pv (6.3%, 6.0-6.7). Pm seropositivity was detected throughout the country with several local government areas showing >50% seroprevalence. Serological and DNA indicators show widespread exposure of Nigerian children to Pm with lower rates to Po and Pv

Cross-Reactivity of Two SARS-CoV-2 Serological Assays in a Setting Where Malaria Is Endemic

Background: Accurate SARS-CoV-2 serological assays are critical for COVID-19 serosurveillance. However, previous studies have indicated possible cross-reactivity of these assays, including in malaria-endemic areas.Methods: We tested 213 well-characterized pre-pandemic samples from Nigeria using two SARS-CoV-2 serological assays: Abbott Architect IgG and Euroimmun NCP IgG assay, both targeting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. To assess antibody binding strength, an avidity assay was performed on these samples and on plasma from SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive persons.Results: Thirteen (6.1%) of 212 samples run on the Abbott assay and 38 (17.8%) of 213 run on the Euroimmun assay were positive. Anti-Plasmodium IgG levels were significantly higher among false-positives for both Abbott and Euroimmun; no association was found with active P. falciparum infection. An avidity assay using various concentratIons of urea wash in the Euroimmun assay reduced loosely-bound IgG: of 37 positive/borderline pre-pandemic samples, 46%, 86%, 89%, and 97% became negative using 2M, 4M, 5M, and 8M urea washes, respectively. The wash slightly reduced avidity of antibodies from SARS-CoV-2 patients within 28 days of PCR confirmation; thereafter avidity increased for all urea concentrations except 8M.Conclusions: This validation found moderate to substantial cross-reactivity on two SARS-CoV-2 serological assays using samples from a malaria-endemic setting. A simple urea wash appeared to alleviate issues of cross-reactivity

Validation of xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay in Nigeria

Objective: There is a need for reliable serological assays to determine accurate estimates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence. Most single target antigen assays have shown some limitations in Africa. To assess the performance of a multi-antigen assay, we evaluated a commercially available SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay for human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nigeria. / Methods: Validation of the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay was carried out using well-characterized SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reactive positive (97) and pre-COVID-19 pandemic (86) plasma panels. Cross-reactivity was assessed using pre-COVID-19 pandemic plasma specimens (213) from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS). / Results: The overall sensitivity of the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay was 75.3% [95% CI: 65.8%– 82.8%] and specificity was 99.0% [95% CI: 96.8%– 99.7%]. The sensitivity estimate increased to 83.3% [95% CI: 70.4%– 91.3%] for specimens >14 days post-confirmation of diagnosis. However, using the NAIIS pre-pandemic specimens, the false positivity rate was 1.4% (3/213). / Conclusions: Our results showed overall lower sensitivity and a comparable specificity with the manufacturer’s validation. There appears to be less cross-reactivity with NAIIS pre-pandemic COVID-19 specimens using the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay. In-country SARS-CoV-2 serology assay validation can help guide the best choice of assays in Africa

Crude Oil, a Blessing and Impediment in Niger Delta Polity: Tanure ojaide’s The activist

Oil has constituted a physical problem to Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. It is a serious impediment to survival among the indigenes of Niger Delta area. It has constituted nuisance which inhibits economic growth and  endangers lives and property. It annuls indigenous participation in oil excavations to assure survival and national development. Oil has turned a tool of colonialism and neo-colonialism to the detriment of the Delta indigenes. This paper verifies oil as impediment in Delta of Nigeria; Economic growth constraints, socio-political problems and Neo-colonialism; and finally,verifies modes of tackling the problem of oil in Delta State of Nigeria. The conclusion summarizes the problem of oil in Delta State and proffers solutions to them