Barbula indica (Pottiaceae), a dioecious acrocarpous moss had never been found with sporophytes in Nigeria. The occurrence of fruiting B. indica from two populations in the Nigerian forest and derived savanna is reported for the first time. Aspects of the morphological characters of fruiting and non-fruiting plants were compared to ascertain if they are distinct species or not. The leaf and costa length were not significantly different in both types of plants. The ratios mean leaf length : mean leaf width, costa length : leaf length and apical cell size were higher in non-fruiting than in fruiting shoots. However basal and median cell lengths were higher in fruiting than non-fruiting samples. Mean shoot lengths in fruiting plants were 8.8 + 2.946 mm and 9.6 + 2.330 mm in non-fruiting samples. Non-fruiting shoots produced more axillary gemmae than fruiting ones. As all of these vegetative differences are within the morphological range of Barbula indica the fruiting and non-fruiting shoots are not distinct species.

The morphotypes and chromosome numbers of Euphorbia hyssopifolia and Euphorbia heterophylla from Ile-Ife, Nigeria are reported for the first time. Mitotic studies carried out on both species revealed a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 12 and 2n = 28 respectively. The results indicate that the two Euphorbia species studied belong to the members of the genus Euphorbia with the secondary system of basic chromosome number of X = 6 and X = 7 (respectively) resulting from aneuploidy and polyploidy.

Reports by several researchers have shown that plants are potent sources of phyto-constituents some of which have been useful in traditional medicine, cosmetics industries and food supplement industries. As part of the ongoing search for therapeutic plants with little or no side effects, this study investigated the nutritive and therapeutic potentials of a common weed Euphorbia graminae, so as to provide useful information on the plant.The leaf and root methanol extracts of E. graminae were screened for the presence of phytochemical constituents. The red blood cell membrane stabilization as well as antioxidant assays were also evaluated. The cytotoxic effect of the extracts was also investigated using Allium cepa model.
Result revealed that both extracts contained saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and triterpenes. The proximate analysis of the leaf revealed the presence of moisture, carbohydrate, protein, ash, fat and crude fibre. The leaf extracts exerted reductive antioxidant potential in dose dependent manner while the root extract showed better reductive potential at lower concentrations. Only the root extract scavenged DPPH- radicals and also exhibited lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity greater than the leaf extract. The leaf extract protected the stressed erythrocytes better at lower concentrations while the root extract protected better at higher concentrations in a dose dependent manner. However, both extracts did not show cytotoxic or genotoxic effect on A. cepa chromosome. Therefore E. graminae can be considered as plant that could be beneficial in the traditional medicine in the management of oxidative and inflammatory related conditions.

Aims: To evaluate, identify and select superior genotypes with better agronomic traits with respect to insect resistance and yield components for the development of improved cowpea varieties. Study Design: The plants were raised using completely randomized design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Screen house of the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between between July 2017 and January 2018. Methodology: A total of 67 Vigna accessions consisting of 36 V. vexillata and 31 V. unguiculata species were evaluated and the quantitative and qualitative attributes of the various accessions studied were documented. The data obtained in the study were subjected to univariate analysis involving descriptive statistics, as well as multivariate analysis involving the General Linear Model (GLM) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The differences among means of each variable were tested using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at ˂0.05 using System Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.13. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was also used to test the correlation among the quantitative attributes of the varieties studied. Results: The results of the investigation showed that there was significant variation in most of the quantitative attributes of the species studied though many of the qualitative vegetative attributes were considerably uniform. The Principal Component Analysis showed that some of the important traits that contributed significantly to the variation were number of days to seedling emergence, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length, pod length, pod breadth, seed length, seed breadth, number of seeds per pod and number of locules. Conclusion: From the findings obtained in this study, it could be concluded that the desirable traits of Tvnu1249 (V. vexillata) such as early maturity, and Tvnu72 (V. vexillata) with high percentage seed set and resistance to flower bud thrips could be transferred into Sanzi and Ifebrown (V. unguiculata varieties) with larger seed sizes and high percentage seed set through hybridization and other breeding techniques.

Morphological, anatomical and chromosome studies of Hyophila crenulata C, Mull. Ex Dus, Thuidium gratum (P. Beauv) Jaeg., Barbula lambarenensis P. Vard.. Stereophyllum nitense Mitt. and Bryum coronatum Schwaegr from Nigeria, were carried out with a view to bridging some knowledge gaps that exist in their characterization and providing insightful information that could be useful in elucidating their taxonomic status. The morphological and anatomical studies revealed several gametophytic and sporophytic attributes which have not been previously reported and which were diagnostic for the moss species studied. The chromosome studies revealed the chromosome numbers to be Hyophila crenulata n = 4; Thuidium gratum n = 12 (10 + 2 m); Barbula lambarenensis n = 3; Stereophyllum nitense n = 9; and Bryum coronatum n = 10. The study concluded that the details of the morphological and anatomical descriptions as well as the chromosome numbers being reported for the first time in this study for the moss species studied could be very useful in their identification and taxonomic delimitation.

A hybrid swarm involving O. sativa, O. glaberrima and O. longistaminata occuring in Jebba, Nigeria was studied to investigate the processes involved in the population dynamics. Reproductive parameters such as pollen stainability, pollen size, anther structure, seed set were investigated. The chromosomes of the hybrid population were also studied. The study reveals post-zygotic mechanism involving segregational as well as developmental hybrid sterility to be the major isolating mechanism involved the reproductive isolation existing among the parent populations in the swarm. Hybridization and introgression have played significant roles in creating this hybrid swarm which holds a lot of promise for speciation in the genus.© 2013 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. 2040

This study appraised the level of usage of satellite imaging and selected Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools by agricultural extension workers (EWs) in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Specifically, information on usage of satellite imaging, personal skill ratings, and constraints faced by respondents in the usage of ICT equipment were gathered. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (97%) perceived themselves as incompetent in reading and interpreting satellite imaging for agricultural information dissemination. The study posited that government at various levels should assist in training EWs on digital compatibility.

Screening donors has practically eliminated viral pathogens in blood for transfusion; however, transfusion-associated bacterial sepsis remains an important health-care concern. Currently, it is the most frequently reported cause of transfusion-related fatality from infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and type of bacterial contamination in donor blood and/or blood products, in a semi-urban university teaching hospital in Nigeria.

Background: The Doppler Resistive Index (RI)measures intrarenal arterial resistance. It is
increased in a number of kidney diseases and
considered a marker of renal function, which could
serve as an early radiologic predictor of
renovascular changes in sickle cell disease (SCD).
Aims and Objective:
This study evaluated selected biochemical markers
of renal functionand renal Doppler RI in a cohort of
Nigerian adults with SCD and Hb AA controls.
Materials and Methods:
Forty-four Hb SS patients in steady state (M:F =
1.2:1; median age is 24.5) and 22 Hb AA age and
sex-matched controls were recruited consecutively
into the study. All had serum biochemical tests
including serum cystatin-C, serum kidney injury
molecule-1 and serum creatinine while urinary
albumin-creatinine ratio was also evaluated. The
right renal artery Doppler RI was also evaluated in
the segmental/interlobar arteries while relevant nonparametric
tests were used to compare the
biochemical and Doppler parameters between the
subjects and the controls.
Results:
Serum creatinine ranged from subnormal to mildly
elevated levels in patients with Hb SS (33-
245μmol/l) and the median (range) renal arterial
Doppler RI was 0.70 (0.49-0.81). The other
parameters evaluated were significantly higher in
patients relative to the controls. Of the biochemical
parameters, urinary albumin- creatinine ratio
showed a weak but statistically significant positive
correlation with renal arterial Doppler RI (r=0.329; p=
0.029), while serum cystatin-C and kidney injury
molecule-1 had no correlation (r = 0.152 and 0.188
respectively; p = 0.324 and 0.22).
Conclusion:
Renal arterial Doppler Resistivity Index has a linear
relationship with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and
could therefore be a potential marker of early renal
impairment in patients with SCD.
Keywords: Sickle cell disease, renal arterial
Doppler resistive index, cystatin-C, serum kidney
injury molecule 1, urinary albumin-creatinine ratio.

The factors related to care of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) often affects treatment outcome. We examined adherence to medication and other challenges to care in our patients on treatment of CML. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews of 20 patients with CML receiving free imatinib (Glivec) from the Glivec International Patients’ Assistance Program. Data collected were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that despite free drug assistance, there was relative lack of awareness resulting in inappropriate health-seeking behavior. The challenges cut across situations such as poverty, fear of the sustenance of the compassionate drug program, and living far away from the clinic. Forgetfulness was reported as the cause of poor adherence in this study. Suggested solutions include increasing community awareness, ensuring sustainability of the program and establishing more treatment centers nationwide. Strategies such as reminders and patents’ support will improve drug adherence among this cohort.