MORPHOTAXONOMIC RE-CLASSIFICATION OF C. ANNUUM VAR. ACCUMINATUM FINGERH AS C. FRUTESCENS VAR. ACCUMINATUM

The taxonomic identities of some Capsicum varieties are somewhat controversial. This study is aimed at using morphological characters to ascertain the Capsicum species to which variety accuminatum belongs. The study was conducted at the Experimental Plot of the Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Latitude: 7.214952; Longitude: 3.437090) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in 10 replicates. Quantitative and qualitative characters were evaluated through measurements and visual observation respectively. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis Systems version 9.2 and Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to separate means at p ˂ 0.05. The reults revealed erect growth habit, lanceolate leaf shape, pendant flower position, white corolla colour, obtuse fruit shape at pedicel, elongated fruit shape, and pointed fruit shape at blossom end on variety accuminatum as characteristic features of C. frutescens. Plant canopy width 103.41±(4.30) cm, number of branches per plant 24.70±(0.15), days to flowering 73±(0.21), fruit length 11.69±(0.07) cm and fruit width 5.78±(0.05) cm in variety accuminatum are closer to mean values in C. frutescens. This study showed that variety accuminatum is morphologically and evolutionary related to C. frutescens. Therefore, re-naming of C. annuum var. accuminatum is hereby suggested and proposed to be C. frutescens var. accuminatum.   &nbsp

A Review of Plant Growth Substances: Their Forms, Structures, Synthesis and Functions

Plant growth substances are compounds, either natural or synthetic that modifies or controls through physiological action, the growth and maturation of plants. If the compound is produced within the plant, it is called a plant hormone or phytohormone. In general, it is accepted that there are five major classes of plant hormones. They are Auxins (IAA), Cytokinins, Gibberellins, Ethylene and Abscisic Acid. However, there are still many plant growth substances that cannot be grouped under these classes, though they also perform similar functions, inhibiting or promoting plant growth. These substances include Brassinosteroids (Brassins), Salicylic Acid, Jasmonic Acid, Fusicoccin, Batasins, Strigolactones, Growth stimulants (e.g. Hymexazol and Pyripropanol), Defoliants (e.g. Calcium Cyanamide, Dimethipin). Researchers are still working on the biosynthetic pathways of some of these substances. Plant growth substances are very useful in agriculture in both low and high concentrations. They affect seed growth, time of flowering, the sex of flowers, senescence of leaves and fruits, leaf formation, stem growth, fruit development and ripening, plant longevity, and even plant death. Some synthetic regulators are also used as herbicides and pesticides. Therefore, attention should be paid to the production and synthesis of these substances so that they affect plants in a way that would favour yield

Identification of Molecular Markers Associated with COPD in non-smokers and smokers: A Bioinformatics Analysis

Background Even though the proportional burden of COPD among never-smokers is significant in both developing and developed nations, accounting for around 30% of all COPD in the community, there is little awareness of the prevalence of COPD in this population. Understanding the molecular processes that underlie COPD in nonsmokers is essential. Methods Dataset (GSE146560) was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The limma and clusterProfiler software tools were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and conduct a functional enrichment analysis respectively. Results In all, 10,583 DEGs were found, of which 1,065 were up-regulated and 9,518 were down-regulated. The KEGG pathways such as Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, taste transduction, maturity onset diabetes of the young, Hippo signaling pathway, insulin secretion, dilated cardiomyopathy, morphine addiction, and calcium signaling pathway were mainly enriched in the DEGs, along with pathways for the Byzantine Arch palate, inflammation, infection, and feeding difficulties. Conclusion Particularly downregulated COPD genes such FBXL19-AS1, KRTAP5-AS1, and HAGLR antisense are identified as COPD biomarkers and may play a role in the pathogenesis of the illness. However, more investigation is required to support this study\u27s conclusions

A Review of Plant Growth Substances: Their Forms, Structures, Synthesis and Functions

Plant growth substances are compounds, either natural or synthetic that modifies or controls through physiological action, the growth and maturation of plants. If the compound is produced within the plant, it is called a plant hormone or phytohormone. In general, it is accepted that there are five major classes of plant hormones. They are Auxins (IAA), Cytokinins, Gibberellins, Ethylene and Abscisic Acid. However, there are still many plant growth substances that cannot be grouped under these classes, though they also perform similar functions, inhibiting or promoting plant growth. These substances include Brassinosteroids (Brassins), Salicylic Acid, Jasmonic Acid, Fusicoccin, Batasins, Strigolactones, Growth stimulants (e.g. Hymexazol and Pyripropanol), Defoliants (e.g. Calcium Cyanamide, Dimethipin). Researchers are still working on the biosynthetic pathways of some of these substances. Plant growth substances are very useful in agriculture in both low and high concentrations. They affect seed growth, time of flowering, the sex of flowers, senescence of leaves and fruits, leaf formation, stem growth, fruit development and ripening, plant longevity, and even plant death. Some synthetic regulators are also used as herbicides and pesticides. Therefore, attention should be paid to the production and synthesis of these substances so that they affect plants in a way that would favour yield

Some aspects of the Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of two Savanna tree Species: Prosopis africana and Dialium guineense

Studies were made on some aspects of the seed germination and seedling growth of two multipurpose trees. These include the effect of pre-sowing treatments, seed sizes and gibberellic acid on the germination of seeds and seedling growth. The tree species include Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub. and Dialium guineense (Wild). Two seed sizes designated small- size (Ss) and Big-size (Bs) were identified in the seed. The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) had a greater significance effect (P < 0.05) on seed germination of both D. guineense and P. africana seeds. The big size seeds had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the seed germination when compared to the small size seeds. The hydration/dehydration, pre-sowing treatments on the seeds did not have any significant effects on germination

Effects of Phytohormone on Seed Germination, Seedling Vigour and the Phytochemical Contents of Three Cucurbits

Background and Objective: A comparative study was carried out on the effect of phytohormone on seed germination, seedling vigour and the phytochemical content of three cucurbits, which are Cucumis melo (L.), Lagenaria breviflora (Benth) and Citrullus lanatus (Thunb). Phytochemical analysis of air-dried, powdered epicarp, mesocarp and seeds of the mature fruits were carried out, also the effects of varying concentrations of indole acetic acid (IAA), naphthal ene acetic acid (NAA) and gibberellic acid (GA 3) on germination and seedling vigour of these 3 cucurbits were investigated. The study is designed to obtain the inhibitory and the stimulatory effects of the 3 cucurbits used in this research. Materials and Methods: Treatments were arranged in 5 replicates and monitored for 16 days.Experiments were carried out in 9 cm petri dishes in the laboratory. Data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p<0.05. Means were compared using LSD. Results: The study revealed that the mean percentage germination and seedling vigour of Cucumis melo(C. melo) was significantly higher (p<0 .05) in the control than in 100-500 ppm concentrations of GA 3, IAA and NAA.Phenol was not detected in the epicarp and mesocarp of C. lanatus and seeds of L. breviflora. However, concentrations of phenol detected in the different parts of C. melo and Lagenaria breviflora( L. breviflora) (epicarp, mesocarp and seed) were not significantly different.The concentrations of the phytochemicals were significantly (p<0.05) different among the epicarp, mesocarp and seeds of the cucurb its except for alkaloid. However, concentrations of phenol detected in the different parts of C. melo and L. breviflora were not significantly different(p>0.05). Tannin was not detected in the epicarp, mesocarp and seeds of the three cucurbits. Flavonoid was also significantly higher (p<0.05) in the epicarp of C. melo and L. breviflora than in their mesocarp and seeds. Conclusion: Conclusively, 0effects of varying concentrations of IAA, NAA and GA 3 was not significant on the parameters studied. Phytochemicals were detected in the epicarp,mesocarp and seeds of the cucurbits under investigation. This study revealed the phytochemical contents and the effects of hormones on the germination of seeds including the vitality of the seed produced

HERBAL RECIPES USED FOR THE TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF INFANTILE DERMATITIS IN ODEDA, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Background: The period of infancy, spanning through the neonatal stage to two years, is characterized by a series of health challenges for the affected child and concerned parents. This study conducted in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was aimed at investigating the plants used in the traditional management of infantile dermatitis and other neonatal skin infections with emphasis on the role of SPICES. Methods: Structured questionnaires (and personal interview) were administered to 36 nursing mothers (age range, 15 – 50) and 30 herbsellers (age range, 21 – 60) in the LGA. The herbsellers prescribed recipes used in the management of general skin diseases including abscess, chicken pox, eczema, flaky skin spots, measles, rashes, ringworm, and small pox. Results: The survey yielded 69 plants belonging to 38 families and forming 25 polyherbal and mono-recipes. Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Meliaceae, and Amaryllidaceae had high species representation. Trees (40.58%) were the most frequently used plant habit while leaves (40.58%) formed the most frequently used plant part. Decoction and infusion using pure water were the methods of preparation suggested. Administration ranged from drinking extracts (2-3 teaspoonfuls) three times daily, to bathing with warm extracts of the plants and the use of coconut oil as cream. Traditional black soap and Shea butter also featured in the herbal remedy for bath and as cream respectively. Local sponge was preferred for bathing. Conclusion: This study has documented the alternative medical approach in the management of infantile skin diseases. The cultural relevance of plants calls for sustainable use of plant resources. This research finds application in primary health care, microbiology, and in cosmetic industries for the development of new or improved baby skin care products. Further research should be conducted to confirm the claimed ethnomedicinal values as well as evaluate possible harm of crude plant extracts to skin structures of infants

Current prevalence pattern of tobacco smoking in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background National smoking cessation strategies in Nigeria are hindered by lack of up-to-date epidemiologic data. We aimed to estimate prevalence of tobacco smoking in Nigeria to guide relevant interventions. Methods We conducted systematic search of publicly available evidence from 1990 through 2018. A random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression epidemiologic model were employed to determine prevalence and number of smokers in Nigeria in 1995 and 2015. Results Across 64 studies (n = 54,755), the pooled crude prevalence of current smokers in Nigeria was 10.4% (9.0–11.7) and 17.7% (15.2–20.2) for ever smokers. This was higher among men compared to women in both groups. There was considerable variation across geopolitical zones, ranging from 5.4% (North-west) to 32.1% (North-east) for current smokers, and 10.5% (South-east) to 43.6% (North-east) for ever smokers. Urban and rural dwellers had relatively similar rates of current smokers (10.7 and 9.1%), and ever smokers (18.1 and 17.0%). Estimated median age at initiation of smoking was 16.8 years (IQR: 13.5–18.0). From 1995 to 2015, we estimated an increase in number of current smokers from 8 to 11 million (or a decline from 13 to 10.6% of the population). The pooled mean cigarettes consumption per person per day was 10.1 (6.1–14.2), accounting for 110 million cigarettes per day and over 40 billion cigarettes consumed in Nigeria in 2015. Conclusions While the prevalence of smokers may be declining in Nigeria, one out of ten Nigerians still smokes daily. There is need for comprehensive measures and strict anti-tobacco laws targeting tobacco production and marketing

Exposure to and risk awareness of environmental tobacco smoke among undergraduates of the university of Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Many students in higher institutions tend to be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. This work was designed to survey the exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and awareness of the dangers associated with it among undergraduates of university of llorin. Method: It was a cross-sectional study among undergraduates of the University of llorin, Kwara State in Nigeria. Results: The overall rate of self-reported regular environmental .tobacco smoke exposure was 48.6%. Exposure was significantly higher in males than females. It was commonest at homes/hostels 473 (59.9%), followed by viewing centres 376 (47.7%) and bars/restaurants 288 (36.5%). Two hundred and twenty-one (95.3%) medical students and 1221 (85.9%) non medical students (χ 2 =11.80, p=0.001) think that environmental tobacco smoke exposure was harmful to them. Most of the students think that active smoking can cause lung cancer, heart diseases, erectile problems and stroke in smokers but on the contrary, they did not think that environmental tobacco smoke exposure can cause these diseases in non smokers. Majority of the students 221 (95.3%) medical students and 1275 (89.7%) non medical students support ban on smoking in the public places. Conclusion: Many of the students who were regularly exposed to environmental tobacco smoke did not know that it can result in fatal diseases