Effect of replacing maize with plantain peels on the performance traits and haematological characteristics of African giant land snail

The study was carried out at the Niger Delta University, Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, Bayelsa State. A total of Ninety six (96) growing snails (Archachatina marginata). Using Plantain peel as an additive, four diets were formulated at the levels of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% to form the treatment diets. The experiment lasted for eight (8) weeks during which the weight gain, feed intake, shell width, shell length, shell thickness and hematological parameters were obtained. The weight gain, shell width, shell length and shell thickness are not significantly different (p<0.05) whereas, the feed intake differed significantly (p<0.05) for all the treatment diets in the experiment. From the results, it was concluded that concentrate with 0% inclusion of Plantain peel meal was suitable for snail diets as it gave the best performance. The hematological parameters measured in the African giant land snails are White blood cell, Neutrophile and Lymphocyte differed significantly (p<0.05). Plantain peel can serve as source of potassium for other animals, as the highest percentage of potassium was found in the hemolymph of snails fed with 9% inclusion of plantain peel. It is recommended that; there should be no inclusion of plantain peels in the diet of the African giant land snails in order to achieve higher weight gain and feed intake.

“D-cell hypothesis of schizophrenia”: Background theory of Novel non-D2 receptor medicinal chemistry

The latest psychopharmacological study showed effectiveness of a novel non-D2-receptor-binding drug, SEP-363856, for the treatment of schizophrenia. Characteristic receptor profile of the compound is shown to be trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) full agonist and 5-hydroxytryptamin 1A (5-HT 1A) receptor partial agonist. I found the TAAR1 ligand neuron, D-neuron, in the striatum and nucleus accumbens (Acc), an antipsychotic acting site, of human brain, though failed to find in the homologous area of monkey. To study human D-neuron functions, total of 154 post-mortem brains, and a modified immunohistochemical method using high qualified antibodies against monoamine-related substances, was applied. Number of D-neurons in the caudate nucleus, putamen, and Acc was reduced in post-mortem brains with schizophrenia. The reduction was significant (p<0.05) in Acc. “D-cell hypothesis of schizophrenia”, which I proposed based on this post-mortem brain study, that NSC dysfunction-induced D-neuron reduction as cellular and molecular basis of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) hyperactivity, showing progressive pathophysiology of schizophrenia, has been proved to be a predictive hypothesis for TAAR1 medicinal chemistry.

Prediction of body weight from linear body measurement in two breeds of cattle

The study compared live weight and linear body measurements of two breeds of cattle (White Fulani and Muturu Cattle) and regressed linear body measurements on live weight. A total of eighty-six cattle of forty-three per a breed were reared at the cattle production unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Akwa Ibom State University – Obio Akpa Campus, Nigeria in a semi intensive management system. Parameters measured were; live weight (LW), face length (FCL), head circumference (HC), ear length (EL), neck length(NL), neck circumference(NC), height at wither(HW), body length(BL), body circumference(BC), hind limb(HL), fore limb(FL), and tail length(TL). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis for morphometric traits and prediction was done through linear model regression method using SPSS statistical software package. Breed of cattle significantly (P>0.05) affected all linear body measurements and live weight exception of NL .Linear body Parameters of both breeds were compared. The mean live weight of White Fulani and Muturu were 251.28kg and 149.81kg, respectively. Means of FL, EL, NL, BL, HL, TL and BC, NC and HW of White Fulani were significantly (P<0.01) higher than Muturu breed but the HC of Muturu was significantly (P<0.01) higher than White Fulani breed. Muturu breed had higher R2 of 0.98 in BL and BC than White Fulani breed. In conclusion, White Fulani was considered a larger breed than Muturu cattle. Live weight can be accurately predicted from linear body measurements through BC and BL in both breeds.

Promotion of CO2 assimilation by NOx, NP is easy method to protect global warming to get high GDP

Global warming is caused by lack of N and P by the elimination of NOx and NP in seven developed countries. Global warming can be protected, if enough amounts of nutrients containing nitrogen and phosphorous are supplied. Most easily available substances containing N and P are NOx and NP in waste water. If developed countries stop the elimination of NOx and NP, CO2 assaulting is activated and global warming will stop. In addition, production of grain and fish will increase and GDP will increase. The goal “CO2 zero and growth” described in Paris Agreement could be accomplished sooner than in 2050.

Acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Brenania brieyi (Rubiaceae)

Brenania brieyi (Rubiaceae) is widely used in traditional Congolese medicine in the treatment of many pathologies that are manifested by inflammation, pain and fever. The objective of this study was to study the acute toxicity as well as to evaluate the antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of Brenania brieyibark on models of pyrexia, algesia and inflammation induced in rodents. The aqueous extract of Brenania brieyidoes not cause any mortality up to the dose of 4000 mg/kg, but promotes a slight increase in body weight. From 2000 mg/kg, the signs of toxicity observed were the significant decrease in mobility as well as the loss of alertness. At doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, aqueous and hydro-ethanolic Brenania brieyiextracts showed a very significant anti-inflammatory effect (***p< 0.001) on edemas induced by carrageenin (1%), formaldehyde (2.5%) and histamine (1 mg/mL), greater than that of diclofenac at 10 mg/kg. At 200 mg/kg, both extracts showed a very significant analgesic effect (***p< 0.001), greater than that of paracetamol 100 mg/kg against pain induced by acetic acid 0.6% and formaldehyde 2.5%. Brenania brieyiwas slightly effective in the tail flick test. Brewer's yeast-induced hyperthermia was reduced by both extracts. However, the hydro-ethanolic extract proves to be more effective than the aqueous extract in all the tests carried out. These pharmacological effects would be related to the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, oses and saponosides.

Study of the characteristics of the Oestridae family (Muscoidea, Oestroidea)

Oestridae is a family of flies, which includes species whose larvae are internal parasites of several species of mammals. Some species settle in the host's flesh, while others occur in the viscera. This study objective to report the characteristics of the Family Oestridae. The research was carried out in studies related to quantitative aspects of the Family, Subfamily and Species (taxonomic groups) and conceptual aspects such as: biology, geographical distribution, species, life cycle, damage, laboratory creation, economic importance, medicinal importance, biological aspects, monitoring and control and reproduction. A literature search was carried out containing articles published from 1950 to 2021. The mini-review was prepared in Goiânia, Goiás, from September to October 2021, through the Online Scientific Library (Scielo), internet, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, Frontiers, Publons, Qeios, Portal of Scientific Journals in Health Sciences, Pubmed, Online Scientific Library (Scielo), internet, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, Frontiers, Biological Abstract, Publons, Qeios, Portal of Scientific Journals in Health Sciences, and Pubmed, Dialnet, World, Wide Science, Springer, RefSeek, Microsoft Academic, Science, ERIC, Science Research.com, SEEK education, Periódicos CAPES, Google Academic, Bioline International and VADLO.

Phenotypical characterization of Kababich breed in peri-urban zone of N’Djamena-Chad

This work was carried out on the phenotypic characteristics of the Kababich sheep exploited in the peri-urban zone of N'Djamena (Chad). This phenotypic characterization of Kababich sheep should be continued on local breeds for genetic improvement and objective optimization of productivity. The objective of this study is the characterization of phenotypically Kababich sheep exploited in the peri-urban area of ​​N'Djamena-Chad. It was conducted in 39 farms and involved 1035 sheep aged less than one year old. Phenotypic traits were measured according to the guideline defined by FAO. A total of 12 variables were measured including five qualitative and seven quantitative. The results obtained show a positively significant correlation (p> 0.001) between the age of the sheep estimated by the breeder and the dentition (0.83). The ears are drooping and measure 17.90 ± 2.77 cm. The color of the brown dress (fawn) and the smooth and short coat are dominant. The females are matte and the rams of brown dress have horns in the forms of the vestiges. The Kababich is large with a height at the withers of 81.50 ± 9.40 cm, a rump height of 83.24 ± 9.42 cm and a chest circumference of 88.29 ± 9.22 cm. The body is 72.82 ± 9.63 cm long, has a basin width of 19.89 ± 2.53 cm and a chest depth of 40.68 ± 5.16 cm. These measurements show that Kababich is a meat breed by excellence. In addition, the sexual dimorphism very accentuated in this race orients towards a valorization of the young males in the fattening workshops.

Physicochemical and sensory parameters of cashew apple jam (Anarcadium occidental L.) harvested in Bondoukou area (North East, Côte d’Ivoire)

In Côte d'Ivoire, cashew apples represent waste in plantations due to lack of processing. This study deals with their transformation into jam for a better valorization. Cashew apple jam were analyzed for physicochemical and sensory properties. Proximate physiochemical were determined using standard analytical procedures and the sensory acceptance test was performed by 50 panelists on the following attributes. Proximate result showed that moisture content of cashew apple jam was 26.5±1.77% ; carbohydrate 67.7±02.45%, protein 0.7±0.01%; fat and ash contents were 0.16±0.0 and 2.4±0.01% for respectively. pH and titratable acidity were 3.9±0.01 0.06% respectively. Soluble solids (°Brix) was 25±0.98%. Vitamin C and total sugar contents were 276±4.67 (mg/100g) and 51.87±2.18% respectively. Major minerals in the jam were potassium (2762±43.2 mg/Kg), phosphorus (298±4.1 mg/Kg), magnesium (146±1.1 mg/Kg) and calcium (143±2.21mg/Kg). phytochemical analysis revealed presence of tannins (0.8±0.01%), phenol (0.35±0.02%), oxalate (1.87±0.02%) carotenoids (0.70±0.01%), flavonoid (0.20±0.01%), phytate (1.16±0.03%) Results from sensory analysis showed color (7.88±0.55), consistency (8.22±0.83), sweet (8.44±1.09) odour (5.4±0.36) and general acceptability 5.22. Parameters (acidity, astringency and afteraste) scores are less than 3.

Prospect of forestry in poverty alleviation in Nigeria

The subject of poverty alleviation cannot be over emphasized, this is because its incidence is rampant worldwide and most importantly in the developing countries such as Nigeria. A significant number of the populace, both in the rural and urban centers of the country is affected by poverty. Different scholars have defined poverty and a simple, succinct and encompassing definition is that it is a condition where an individual is not able to adequately cater for his/her basic needs or lacks minimum standard of living. There are many causes of poverty and they all have immediate and future effect on the group of people affected. Many attempts have been made to lessen poverty in Nigeria by successive administration but failed due to one reason or the other. Nigeria has been described by many people as a blessed country and “a land flowing with milk and honey”, this is because of the natural resources that the country has among which Forest is. Forests consist of trees, shrubs and diverse animals living in them. Careful and sustainable management of these natural and artificial forests has hope of drastically reducing poverty to the barest minimum in Nigeria.

Synanthropy of dipterans collected in cattle feces in Brazil

Cattle feces accumulated in pastures and stables constitute an especially favorable microhabitat for the development of a rich and heterogeneous arthropod fauna. This study determined the species of Diptera of Medical, Veterinary and Agricultural importance present in forest, rural and urban areas in the municipality of Monte Alegre, state Minas Gerais Southeast region, Brazil in the period from March to November 2006. The dipterans pupae were individually placed in glass jars until the emergence of the dipterans. A total of 372 dipteran pupae were collected, 107 in the forest area, 194 in the rural area and 71 in the urban area. Percentage of dipterans in forest, rural and urban areas were 28.7%, 52.2% and 19.1%, respectively. Sorcophagula occidua (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) was the most frequent species with 42.2%. Regarding the synanthropy index of the species Archisepsis scabra (Loew, 1861) (Diptera: Sepsidae) Palaeosepsis pusio (Schiner, 1868) (Diptera: Sepsidae), Brontaea quadristigma (Thomson, 1869) (Diptera: Muscidae) and S. occidua presented an index of 16.0%, - 64%, +18.4% and +7.7%, respectively. Dipterans constitute the adequate model for the study of synanthropy, not only for their ecological importance, but also for their medical-sanitary aspect.