Plant disease control: understanding the roles of toxins and phytoalexins in host-pathogen interaction

Naturally, plant habitats are exposed to several potential effects of biotic and different abiotic environmental challenges. Several types of micro-organisms namely; bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, mites, insects, mammals and other herbivorous animals are found in large amounts in all ecosystems, which lead to considerable reduction in crop productivity. These organisms are agents carrying different diseases that can damage the plants through the secretion of toxic-microbial poisons that can penetrate in the plant tissues. Toxins are injurious substances that act on plant protoplast to influence disease development. In response to the stress effect, plants defend themselves by bearing some substances such as phytoalexins. Production of phytoalexins is one of the complex mechanisms through which plants exhibit disease resistance. Several findings specifically on phytoalexins have widen the understanding in the fields of plant biochemistry and molecular biology. However, this review reports the interaction of toxins and phytoalexins in plant-pathogen cycle, research progress on the association of phytoalexins with plant disease resistance as well as the role of the phytoalexins in plant disease control

STRENGTHENING CROSS-BORDER LEGAL FRAMEWORKS: COLLABORATIVE APPROACHES TO ENHANCING SECURITY AND ADDRESSING HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGES IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

The North-East region of Nigeria has been plagued by persistent security threats, including insurgency, terrorism, and cross-border criminal activities, which have exacerbated humanitarian crises and undermined regional stability. This paper examines the critical need for enhanced cross-border legal frameworks to effectively address these challenges. By analyzing existing legal and regulatory mechanisms within Nigeria and its neighboring countries, the paper fund significant gaps and proposes strategies for fostering international collaboration. The paper explores the role of legal frameworks in facilitating joint security operations, improving intelligence sharing, and ensuring the protection of human rights in conflict zones. It highlights successful case studies of cross-border legal cooperation in other regions and applies these lessons to the North-East Nigerian context. Furthermore, the paper addresses the humanitarian impact of security issues, including displacement, access to healthcare, and the protection of vulnerable populations. In-terms of methodology this paper adopts a doctrinal approach. The paper recommends for a multi-faceted approach that includes harmonizing legal standards, establishing robust mechanisms for cross-border coordination, and promoting joint research initiatives. By proposing actionable policy recommendations, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing security and humanitarian response efforts in the North-East of Nigeria through strengthened international legal collaboration. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on improving regional security and humanitarian outcomes, emphasizing the importance of united research efforts and collaborative legal strategies in addressing complex cross-border challenges. &nbsp

Aqueous Phase Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Wastewater using Agricultural Wastes

This study determined the presence of heavy metals in contaminated wastewater and examined their removal using agricultural wastes as bio-sorbent. Heavy metals contamination in wastewater causes severe adverse effects on human health. Huge amounts of corn cob and wheat bran are produced from maize and wheat plantations every year. The efficacy of raw corn cob (CC) and raw wheat bran (WB) were also tested for the removal of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) from metal solution and contaminated wastewater. The agricultural wastes (bio-sorbent) were characterised with Fourier transform infrared and X-ray florescence spectroscopic techniques. The FTIR result confirmed the interaction of (O-H, C-O and C-H) in (CC and WB) with heavy metals while the XRF result revealed that, both (CC and WB) contain high percent of K2O.The batch sorption technique was conducted at room temperature. The method was applied for the removal of cobalt and nickel using Katsina youth craft village (KYCV) and Gambarawa paint cottage (GPC) contaminated wastewaters. The Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES) result revealed that corn cob is more effective removing Co(II) with (97%) removal efficiency and (77.6 mg/g) bio-sorption capacity in metal solution, (92% and 29.4 mg/g) and (80% and 3.2 mg/g) removal efficiency and bio-sorption capacity using (KYCV and GPC) contaminated wastewater while wheat bran is more effective in removing Ni(II) with (95% and 76 mg/g) removal efficiency and bio-sorption capacity from metal solution. This can serve as a cost effective and greener approach to utilize the agricultural wastes without any chemical treatment, making it user friendly bio-sorbent. From the findings of this study, concluded that corn cob and wheat bran can be used as cheap and safe bio-sorbents for uptake of cobalt and nickel from contaminated wastewater.&nbsp

An Assessment of Air Quality in and around Gwagwalada Abattoir, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Fct.

This work attempted an assessment of air quality in and around Gwagwalada abattoir. Air samples were collected from six points around the abattoir and recorded insitu for analysis.  The following parameters were investigated; Particulate Matter (PM), Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Ammonia (NH3), Chlorine (CL2) and Hydrogen cyanide. The statistical test employed was the Student t-test in verifying the hypothesis. Based on the data collected and the analysis made, it was observed that the mean values of the parameters varied from points to points and at different time of the day. Also, the mean values of the parameters were compared with the FEPA recommended limits, and it was observed that Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Particulate matter were above the FEPA recommended limit. While Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and Ammonia (NH3) are still below the standard limit. Air Quality Index shows that Sulphur dioxide (SO2), and  Nitrogen dioxide (NO2 have very poor quality index Recommendations include; relocation of abattoir to an area far from residences, inspection of abattoir process by professionals in related fields, proper waste management systems should be made. Keywords: Air, Quality, AQI, Abattoir, pollution, and Gwagwalad

A discrete-time mathematical model for the control of weeds population density towards improving crop yields

In this paper, a mathematical model for the control of single weed species population density is proposed. The model’s steady-state solutions were obtained and analysed for local and global stabilities. The analysis reveals that the model is locally asymptotically stable and as well globally stable. Graphical simulations were carried out to support the analytic analysis of the model for the global stability and concludes that, weed proliferation may be controlled if the control strategy is target at the recruitment factors. Base on this finding, it is recommended that for effective control, weeds management tactics should be targeted at the recruitment stage rather than the usual practice of controlling mature weed through the application of herbicides. Hence, application of the results of this work may reduce or eradicate the weeds density and improve crop yield at its optimum capacity for sustainable food production

Diversity and Species Composition of Phyco-Periphyton on Some Macrophytes in Rafin Makaranta Stream, Bauchi

Water quality is essential to human health due to its direct influence on ecosystems and public health. This study analyzed selected physicochemical parameters and the phyco-periphyton assemblage on aquatic macrophytes in Rafin Makaranta Stream, Bauchi, Nigeria, from February to September 2021 at four sampling sites. The objectives were to evaluate the stream`s physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Phyco-periphyton samples were collected by carefully cutting aquatic macrophytes with a sharp razor blade and preserving them in 4% formalin. Standard methods were used to analyze physicochemical parameters, which showed ranges for temperature (24.5 - 34.9°C), pH (7.2 - 8.9), conductivity (0.46 - 0.67 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (338 - 472 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (2.09 - 7.2 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (0.66 - 3.67 mg/L), total suspended solids (0.1 - 0.3 mg/L), turbidity (20 - 162 NTU), nitrate (0.2 - 16.7 mg/L), and phosphate (0.1 - 0.9 mg/L). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that biochemical oxygen demand had the greatest positive environmental impact, followed by total dissolved solids and temperature. Additionally, Pearson correlation showed a positive association between total dissolved solids, temperature, and turbidity, suggesting their combined effect on water quality dynamics. Six macrophytes, including Nymphaea lotus (18.18%), Ludwigia abyssinica (9.09%), Hygrophila auriculata (18.18%), Pistia stratiotes (27.27%), and Typha domingensis (18.18%), served as essential habitats for the periphyton community. The periphyton identified comprised four classes: Bacillariophyta (6 genera), Chlorophyta (11 genera), Cyanophyta (7 genera), and Euglenophyta (3 genera), with Chlorophyta being dominant at 44%, followed by Cyanophyta (39%), Bacillariophyta (12%), and Euglenophyta (5%). Notable nutrient enrichment indicators, including Melosira, Scenedesmus, Oscillatoria, and Anabaena, were observed. Canonical Correspondence Analysis highlighted temperature, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen as significant physicochemical factors affecting the structure, composition, and distribution of the periphytic community. Overall, the findings suggest that Rafin Makaranta Stream is impacted by both natural and human-related factors, which influence its algal community and contribute to water contamination. Continued monitoring is recommended to confirm these findings and effectively manage potential environmental impacts. &nbsp

THE ROLE OF AN AGGRESSIVE FACTOR IN PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE (PUD)

The stomach is the expanded part of the digestive tract between the esophagus and the small intestine. It acts as a reservoir and has chief function in enzymatic digestion. Several types of glands provide different types of secretions in the alimentary tract most of which act as lubricant and to protect the stomach mucosa from excoriation. The pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is often described as an imbalance between aggressive factors and mucosal protective mechanisms. Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative organism that has been identified as a potential causative agent in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease, which is diagnosed by invasive or non-invasive methods. Three classes of drugs have been shown to have a direct effect on Helicobacter pylori: antibiotics, bismuth salts, and proton pump inhibitors. Because Helicobacter pylori is difficult to eradicate, most treatment regimes combine agents from two or even all three of these cases. In all of them, patients with active peptic disease should also receive a total of 6 weeks of acid suppression with an H2-receptor antagonist. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori as a gastrointestinal pathogen has had a profound effect on current concepts of the pathogenesis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Calyxes) water extract on the in vitro availability of lisinopril

Background: The concurrent use of herbs and drugs for the treatment of various ailments is a common practice amongst patients; a practice that could result in drug-herb interaction.Objectives: This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on in vitro availability of lisinopril.Method: The availability of lisinopril alone and in presence of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyxes water extract was determined using dissolution apparatus (BP, 2013) set at 50 rpm and 37 °C in 900 mL of three different dissolution media [0.1 M HCl (simulated gastric pH), phosphate buffers pH 6.8 (simulated intestinal pH) and phosphate buffers pH 7.4 (simulated blood pH)]. Samples (5 mL) were withdrawn from the media at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min and replaced immediately with the same medium. Each sample was analysed for the lisinopril content released using UV spectrophotometry at 215, 210 and 215 nm in 0.1 M HCl, phosphate buffers pH 6.8 and phosphate buffers pH 7.4 respectively.Results: Results showed that the media has no effect on the dissolution profile of lisinopril alone, however, it was observed that 89.40 (lisinopril alone) and 92.62 % (lisinopril in the presence of Hibiscus sabdariffa) was released in simulated gastric pH. The corresponding contents of lisinopril observed in simulated intestinal pH were 89.40 and 92.51 %, while in simulated blood pH 89.40 and 91.95 % of lisinopril was released. The presence of Hibiscus sabdariffa significantly (p < 0.05) increased the in vitro availability of lisinopril in all the media.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that coadministration of lisinopril with Hibiscus sabdariffa could enhance its in vitro availability consequent to the increased dissolution of lisinopril in simulated gastric, intestinal and blood pH.Keywords: Lisinopril, Interaction, Hibiscus sabdariffa, dissolutio

Analysis of sildenafil citrate in herbal aphrodisiac preparations marketed in Sokoto metropolis and its public health implications

Aphrodisiacs are among the most widely marketed and consumed herbal products in North-Western Nigeria. There are speculations that these products are being adulterated with orthodox medicines in order to boost their effects and sales. The objective of current research was to analyse the presence of adulterated sildenafil citrate in some herbal aphrodisiacs commonly sold and consumed in Sokoto metropolis. Ten different liquid herbal aphrodisiac preparations marketed in Sokoto metropolis were collected from different areas of the city. Each of the preparation was analysed for adulteration with sildenafil citrate using thin layer chromatography and UV spectroscopy. Five of the preparations were found to contain sildenafil citrate in the range of 34 – 291 mg per daily dose. The findings from this study indicate that some of the herbal aphrodisiac preparations marketed in Sokoto metropolis are being adulterated with substantial amount of undeclared sildenafil citrate, a practice that poses serious public health hazard to its consumers. Consequences of which ranges from nausea, dyspepsia, pain, dizziness, abnormal vision, and headache and potentially heart attack especially among adults with underlying chronic diseases such as hypertension among others