The experiments were performed in order to determine the effect of 8-h road transportation of pigs on erythrocytes osmotic fragility during the hot-dry season, and the ameliorative role of ascorbic acid. Twenty-three adult pigs comprising of both sexes served as subjects for the study. Thirteen pigs administered ascorbic acid (AA) per os 30 min before transportation, at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg served as experimental animals, while ten pigs administered with distilled water per os served as control, and were transported for 8 h during the hot-dry season. EDTA blood samples collected a day before (pre-transportation), immediately after 8-h transportation and 7 days post-transportation were used to determine erythrocyte osmotic fragility. The ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) measured within the vehicle ranged between 30.5-39.0 °C and 40.0-71.0% respectively. These values were outside the thermoneutral zone for the pig, indicating that the season was thermally stressful. Results obtained showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in percent haemolysis recorded at NaCl concentrations of 0.4% and 0.6% immediately after transportation in experimental pigs and at 0.5, 0.6, 0.8 and 0.9% NaCl concentrations in experimental pigs 7 days post-transportation. In conclusion, result from the present study indicated that 8-h road transportation during the hot-dry season could induce stress resulting in haemolysis of erythrocytes and AA administration ameliorated the stress.

Anemia and low haemoglobin levels are complications frequently associated with Sickle cell disease and β-thalasssemia. Chemotherapy of these haemoglobinopathies involves the use of drugs which increase haemoglobin levels. The use of Terminalia catappa traditionally for the treatment of SCD dates back. Herein we evaluated the potential of Terminalia catappa to induce erythropoiesis in adult Balb C mice. The methanolic extract of Terminalia catappa induced production of haemoglobin higher than that of an untreated control after 6 days. The PCV of treated and untreated mice was also assessed and found to be relatively higher in Terminalia catappa treated mice comparable to mice administered with folic acid.

Parinari curatellifolia and other Parinari species are used traditionally in many parts of Africa as a remedy for malaria among other diseases. To ascertain this folkloric claim, the antiplasmodial potential of ethanol extract of Parinari curatellifolia stem bark (EEPCSB) and n-hexane extract of Parinari curatellifolia stem bark (HEPCSB) on Plasmodium falciparum was studied. Parasites were grown in a 96-well plate containing Roswell Park Memorial Institute-1640. The wells were grouped into: control (untreated), artemether-treated, EEPCSB-treated and HEPCSBtreated groups. Treatments were administered to the tune of 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/ml. Parasitemia was observed by microscopy after 24, 48 and 72h of incubation. EEPCSB and HEPCSB elicited dose and duration-dependent reduction (p<0.05) in parasitemia when compared with the untreated group. The recorded percentage parasite inhibition by the extracts was lower (p<0.05) when compared with artemether. There was no difference (p>0.05) in plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase activity of EEPCSB-treated and artemether-treated groups. Findings from this study show that extracts of P. curatellifolia stem bark, especially EEPCSB, demonstrated excellent inhibitory activities against P. falciparum and can be a good source of compounds for the development of novel antimalarial drugs. Keywords: Parinari curatellifolia; Extracts; Plasmodium falciparum; Parasitemia; Antiplasmodial

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a severe viral transboundary disease of mostly cattle caused by LSD Virus (LSDV). This epidemiological survey of LSD amongst herds of cattle in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of North Central Nigeria was carried out in 2019 as a response to farmers’ reports of repeated outbreaks of LSD in their herds of cattle. A focused group discussion with cattle farmers purposefully selected was used for the disease investigation and data collection. Twelve skin scab samples were collected from suspected cases within the study area. The viral attachment protein gene of the LSDV was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Analysis of the focus group discussion revealed that all farmers interviewed practiced extensive farm management system and claimed that their animals shared same communal water points and grazing area. Furthermore, 47% (7/15) of the farmers have experienced LSD twice in their herds, while 27% (4/15) have had the outbreak thrice on their farms. The morbidity rates of LSD were 3% – 49% and mortality rates were 1% – 6%. Sixty percent of farmers claimed that incidence of LSD is related to season of the year. All farmers sell off their sick animals in the livestock market and confirmed LSD affects market price of their animals. PCR results revealed that in 91.6% (11/12) samples analysed, LSDV was detected. This study confirms LSD outbreaks based on PCR result and clinical signs and symptoms in Butura, Daffo and Kunduk of Bokkos LGA, North Central Nigeria.

Many researchers worldwide have focused on the health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic without paying much emphasis to the environmental impacts associated with the pandemic. Evidence suggests that prior to the pandemic there was an alarming increase in environmental pollution due to rising industrialization, in particular in urban areas. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, satellite data over Asia and Europe showed a substantial decrease in air pollution, in particular nitrogen dioxide. However, the increase in industrial and household wastes may pose a significant challenge to  environmental management. The improper management of these wastes poses an unforeseen “knock-on” effect on human health and the environment. It is imperative to establish an effective and safe procedure, for handling and disposing of the consequential wastes accumulating during the pandemic. The  review aims to highlight both the beneficial and detrimental effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the natural environment and  to discuss the possible strategies to improve the quality of the global environment during the period of the pandemic and beyond.