Cowpea viruses: Quantitative and qualitative effects of single and mixed viral infections

Multiple viral infections have been reported on cultivated commercial cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) in Nigeria. In this study, the effect of inoculating two commercial cultivars (cvs) (“Oloyin” and “Olo II’)and two lines from IITA (Ife Brown and TVu-76) with buffer, Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic (CABMV), Cowpea mottle (CMeV) and Southern bean mosaic (SBMV) viruses individually as well as in mixtures(CABMV+ CMeV, CABMV+ SBMV, CMeV+SBMV, and CABMV+ CMeV+SBMV) at 10 and 28 days after planting (DAP) on the growth, yield and nutritive content of seeds from infected plants were evaluated.The age of the plants at time of infection and the different viral treatments significantly affected the different parameters assessed. The average height of plants inoculated 10 DAP were significantlyshorter than those of plants inoculated 28 DAP. Inoculating with single, double and triple viruses (10 DAP) resulted in 19-34%, 31-46% and 42-53% reductions in plant height, respectively. Viral infectionsalso resulted in significant reductions in the number of pods and seeds produced. Plants inoculated with the three viruses 10 DAP produced the least number of pods and seed. Viral treatments resulted inthe production of seeds with a lower protein content of 24.8-28.9% compared with the 28.5-30.4% protein in seeds from the control plants. Plants inoculated 10 DAP with the triple viruses produced theseeds with the least protein content (24.8-27.1%). The carbohydrate, fat and moisture contents of seeds from virus infected plants were however slightly higher than those of the control plants while the ashcontents were lower. Generally, the commercial cowpea cvs were more severely affected by the viral treatments. These results indicate that infection at an early age and by multiple viruses can havedevastating effects on the growth, yield and the nutritional quality of cowpea

Immunological and molecular diagnostic methods for detection of viruses infecting cowpea (Vigna unquiculata)

Cowpea viruses are difficult to identify using morphological criteria which can be time consuming, challenging, and require extensive knowledge in taxonomy. In order to improve the quality and quantityof the germplasms and to significantly reduce the infection and transmission of virus to different cultivars of cowpea, proper diagnosis and control is essential. The immuno-diagnostic and  moleculardiagnostic methods have shown great potential as far as specificity and sensitivity are concerned and can generate accurate results rapidly. The aim of this overview is to discuss the various immunodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic methods such as enzymes linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nucleic acidhybridization, dot immunoblotting assay (DTBIA) found suitable for diagnosis of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Cowpea mottle virus (CMeV) infectingcowpea. These techniques do not only provide information for epidemiological purposes, but also help to develop disease free stock of cowpeas. Therefore, these various techniques with symptoms andhistory are of immense value to diagnose cowpea viruses and are the cornerstone of the management of cowpea cultivars

Neurogenic inflammation after traumatic brain injury and its potentiation of classical inflammation

Background: The neuroinflammatory response following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known to be a key secondary injury factor that can drive ongoing neuronal injury. Despite this, treatments that have targeted aspects of the inflammatory pathway have not shown significant efficacy in clinical trials. Main body: We suggest that this may be because classical inflammation only represents part of the story, with activation of neurogenic inflammation potentially one of the key initiating inflammatory events following TBI. Indeed, evidence suggests that the transient receptor potential cation channels (TRP channels), TRPV1 and TRPA1, are polymodal receptors that are activated by a variety of stimuli associated with TBI, including mechanical shear stress, leading to the release of neuropeptides such as substance P (SP). SP augments many aspects of the classical inflammatory response via activation of microglia and astrocytes, degranulation of mast cells, and promoting leukocyte migration. Furthermore, SP may initiate the earliest changes seen in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, namely the increased transcellular transport of plasma proteins via activation of caveolae. This is in line with reports that alterations in transcellular transport are seen first following TBI, prior to decreases in expression of tight-junction proteins such as claudin-5 and occludin. Indeed, the receptor for SP, the tachykinin NK1 receptor, is found in caveolae and its activation following TBI may allow influx of albumin and other plasma proteins which directly augment the inflammatory response by activating astrocytes and microglia. Conclusions: As such, the neurogenic inflammatory response can exacerbate classical inflammation via a positive feedback loop, with classical inflammatory mediators such as bradykinin and prostaglandins then further stimulating TRP receptors. Accordingly, complete inhibition of neuroinflammation following TBI may require the inhibition of both classical and neurogenic inflammatory pathways.Frances Corrigan, Kimberley A. Mander, Anna V. Leonard and Robert Vin

Prevalence of Eye Disease among Inmates of Ilesa Prison, Southwest Nigeria

Introduction: In Nigeria, like many other developing countries where prisoners have restricted access to health care including eye health care, severe untreated eye disorders are common causes of ocular morbidity and blindness. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and pattern of eye disease among prisoners in Ilesa Prison, Osun state. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of ocular disorders among all the prisoners in Ilesa prison was conducted between October 2008 and March 2009. An interviewer – administered questionnaire was designed for the study. Ocular examination of each of the prisoners was carried out by an Ophthalmologist. This consisted of pen torch examination, direct ophthalmoscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, refraction, and visual field examination by confrontational methods. Result: Overall, a total of 515 prisoners were examined consisting of 492 (95.5%) males and 23 (4.5%) females. The male to female ratio was 21:1. This is statistically significant (p

Assessment of surface waters and pollution impacts in Southern Ghana

Illegal mining and inappropriate use of agrochemicals have exacerbated surface water pollution in Ghana. The quality of water has changed, and knowledge of their current condition is important for formulating policies to conserve the country’s water bodies. This study assessed the quality of surface waters in Ghana’s Pra River Basin. A survey of 344 local farmers randomly sampled was conducted and a physicochemical analysis of 33 water samples collected from 25 rivers in the basin. Boreholes are the main source of drinking water for 85% of farmers, and they assessed water quality by its appearance. Rainwater provides over 50% of the water needed by the respondents for domestic use. River water was mainly used for crop production and only secondarily for domestic use. At more than 80% of the sampled sites, pH, Fe and P were above the WHO recommended values, while Pb was exceeded at 30% of the sites. Cu, Hg, As and Fe were above permissible levels for irrigation, especially near the mining areas. The poor quality of river water makes it unusable despite its availability. A more effective and efficient land-use policy focusing on buffer zone protection is recommended to minimise water quality degradation in the basin

Gender-based variations in the perception of climate change impact, vulnerability and adaptation strategies in the Pra River Basin of Ghana

Purpose: This study aims to assess gender-based differences on farmers’ perception of impacts and vulnerability to climate change and the implementation of adaptation strategies in the Pra River Basin of Ghana, while also providing lessons for other Sub-Saharan nations and regions with similar conditions. || Design/methodology/approach: The study used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to collect data from 344 farmers, 64 participants in focus group discussions and 6 agriculture extension officers (key informants) from 10 districts in the Pra River Basin of Ghana. || Findings: Results showed several differences in how climate change is perceived and tackled by male and female genders. In the perception of male farmers, for example, they were found to be more vulnerable to increased temperature, and changes in rainfall and growing season, whereas female farmers on average were considered to be less resilient to floods and droughts for different reasons. Moreover, floods posed higher risks to farming than other climate change impacts. Gender roles had a significant correlation with the type of adaptation strategies practised. Men adopted agrochemicals more often than women, as an adaptation strategy. || Research limitations/implications: Gender-differentiated interventions should be incorporated in the national climate change action plan for sustainable development in a rain-fed agricultural economy such as Ghana. The study recommends several actions to promote gender equity in the assessed region. || Originality/value: This research assessed the gender differentials in climate trends, impact, vulnerability and adaptation based on primary data collected between April and May 2019 and compared the results with climate data in the basin for the period 1991–2014. It is an empirical study focused on primary data analysis obtained in loco by authors, involving approximately 400 participants

Factors affecting farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana

Climate change, especially the variability of rainfall patterns, poses a threat to maize production in Ghana. Some farmers harvest rainwater and store it for maize production to cope with unpredicted rainfall patterns. However, there are only a few studies on the adoption of rainwater harvesting for maize production. This study analyses the factors that influence farmers' decision to harvest rainwater for maize production in Ghana. A probit regression model is applied for the empirical analysis, using primary data from 344 maize farmers. The results show that 38% of the farmers harvest rainwater. We found that male farmers, farmers with primary education, large-scale farmers, experienced farmers, and those with access to weather information are more likely to harvest rainwater, while older farmers, those with limited access to extension services and labor, and those who perceive changes in rainfall pattern and amount of rainfall are associated with a lower probability to harvest rainwater for maize production. The findings suggest that enhancing farmers' access to weather information and extension services and improving awareness of climate change are needed to promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting. For gender inclusiveness in the adoption of rainwater harvesting, policies need to consider the needs of women