The assessment of the current status of Gentiana lutea L. populations of the Ukrainian Carpathians: Ecological and genetic approaches

Based on the analysis of the genetic polymorphisms (RGAP- and CDDP-PCR) among populations and comparison of these results with ecological characteristics (density, area, spatial and vitality structure, age, ability of renewal and self-maintenance), the status of five natural (Lemska, Gutyn Tomnatyk, Sheshul-Pavlyk, Krachuneska, Troyaska-Tataruka) and one man-made (Pozhyzhevska) populations of Gentiana lutea from the Ukrainian Carpathians was assessed. The results of the complex ecological and genetic analysis have revealed that three populations are unstable (Krachuneska, Troyaska-Tataruka, Gutyn Tomnatyk), two are relatively stable (Lemska, Pozhyzhevska) and only one is stable (Sheshul-Pavlyk). The research results can be used for stabilizing the number of violations and restoring the endangered natural populations. Based on these data, the recommendations for the conservation and protection of G. lutea populations have been developed.

Influence of Vehicle Traffic Emissions on Spatial Variation of Ozone and its Precursors in Air of Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing the influence of vehicle traffic on spatial variation of ozone (O3) and its vehicular emission precursors in the air of Port Harcourt city. Sampling was carried out in ten (10) sites, eight (8) located within the high traffic density area (study sites) and two (2) located within the very low traffic density area (reference sites). The precursor pollutants measured were nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCSs). Ozone and the precursor pollutants were measured in situ using AeroQUAL 500 series portable ambient air analyzer while traffic flow survey was achieved by direct counting. Measurements were carried out at morning, evening and off-peak traffic periods respectively. The mean concentrations of ozone and the precursor pollutants were significantly higher (p = 0.05) in the study sites than in the reference sites. Mean concentrations were higher at peak traffic periods than at off-peak traffic periods except for ozone that was higher at off-peak than at morning peak. There was significant correlation between traffic density and each of the pollutants including ozone. The spatial variability in concentration of pollutants was influenced by vehicular traffic. VOCs and NO2 levels were higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) limit of 0.05 ppm and 0.04 – 0.06 ppm respectively, O3 concentration was below the standard limit (0.06 ppm) but was at the verge of exceeding. Traffic emission within the city was significant and could be mitigated through regular monitoring and control.

Effect of Socio-Economic Attributes on Resident’s Satisfaction in Low-Density Area of Bauchi Metropolis

This study examined the effect of socio-economic attributes of residents on housing satisfaction in the Bauchi metropolis to reveal ways to improve households’ housing situation in the Bauchi metropolis. The study adopted a quantitative approach. The questionnaire was designed and administered to 380 House Hold Heads with 258 retrieved. Households were surveyed employing stratified random sampling to generate data on the households’ socio-economic attributes and housing satisfaction. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics (Mean score and frequency table) and multiple regression through the use of SPSS to examine the effect of variables. The study revealed that most households have means of earning income and that household size is large. Households in the low-density area have moderate satisfaction with their housing condition. The study demonstrated a significant effect of socio-economic attributes on housing conditions and satisfaction in the study area. As a matter of urgency, it was recommended that the government provide the lacking social amenities, renovate the deteriorating ones, and enforce development control standards.

Application of spectral CT in the diagnosis of contrast encephalopathy following carotid artery stenting: a case report

Background Contrast encephalopathy is a rare complication of carotid artery stenting (CAS). Contrast encephalopathy is a diagnosis of exclusion that often needs to be distinguished from high perfusion syndrome, cerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), cerebral infarction and so on. Case presentation In this study, we report on a 70-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with transient ischaemic attacks presenting paroxysmal weakness of limbs in the previous 2 years. He had severe stenosis of the left internal carotid artery diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and underwent CAS. Two hours after the operation, the patient developed paralysis of the right upper limb, unclear speech, fever and restlessness. Emergency skull computed tomography (CT) showed swelling and a linear high-density area in the left cerebral hemisphere. To clarify the components of this high-density area in the traditional CT, the patient had spectral CT, which made the diagnosis of the leakage of contrast clear. After 1 week of supportive treatment, the patient improved. Conclusions Spectral CT can easily distinguish the components of high-density areas on traditional CT, which is haemorrhage, calcification or iodine contrast leakage. Therefore, spectral CT is worth consideration for the differential diagnosis of complications of vascular intervention.