Comparative biocidal activities of some crude plant species powders against the cowpea weevil (Callosobrochus maculatus (F.)(Coleoptera: bruchidae))

Callosobruchus maculatus is one of the most important pests of cowpea in storage causing severe economic damage to the grain. This study investigated the efficacies of three plant materials (Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera and Chromolaena odorata) leaves against the cowpea weevil. Concentrations of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5g of the plant powders were used on 10g of grains with 10 adult weevils in each and a Control (untreated) in triplicates. The results showed significant (P< 0.05) negatively effects of the plant materials on the survival of C. maculatus at the highest concentration. In all trails, mean daily mortality in adult C. maculatus were significantly(p<0.05) increased. All plant powder type were effective but concentration-dependent, with C. procera recording significantly (P < 0.05) higher mortality at the various concentrations while C. odorata, elicited the least mean daily mortality. The lowest LD50 (0.63g) was obtained with C. procera. These plants materials were found to also affect the egg-laying capacity of C. maculatus. Treatment with C. odorata recorded significantly(P<0.05) higher number of eggs laid at all concentrations, though the egg-laying capacity was also concentration-dependent; whereas C. procera recorded the least number of eggs laid. All the three plants powders tested demonstrated significant insecticidal potency on stored cowpea weevils, with C. procera and C. odorata showing significantly higher and lower insecticidal potentials respectively. These findings will help in solving problem associated with food security especially with respect to stored produce

Profile of Trauma Related Mortality in a Tertiary Hospital in North Western Nigeria

Introduction: Traumatic injury and trauma deaths are considered a major health problem all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 16 000 people die every day from trauma injuries, and for every person who dies, several thousands more are injured, many of them with permanent sequelae. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern and causes of deaths due to trauma in the Emergency Department of our institution within 72 hours of admission. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all deaths due to trauma within 72 hours of admission in the Emergency Department of the Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kebbi, North Western Nigeria; from May 2010 to April 2015. Case notes of patients were retrieved with relevant information extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 121 cases were included in the study. This constituted 11.6% of all admissions due to trauma. Males were 92 (76%), while females were 29 (24%). The male­ female ratio was 3:1. The 26-35 years age group constituted 33 (27.3%) cases, constituting the majority. Cases that were as a result of motor vehicle accidents were 81 (66.9%). Head injury cases constituted 75 (62%) of cases, while poly trauma cases were 32 (26.4%). Conclusion: Head injury is the commonest cause of death due to trauma. This usually arises from road traffic injuries. Male in their productive age group are the main victims