Research Article
Growth and Development Dynamics Among
Khaya senegalensis Progenies in Côte d'Ivoire
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
60-69
Received:
12 March 2026
Accepted:
22 April 2026
Published:
11 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20261403.11
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Abstract: Mastering nursery production is a critical step for improving the silviculture of Khaya senegalensis, a major commercial forest species in Côte d’Ivoire. However, limited information is available on early-stage variability among progenies and the identification of reliable traits for selection at the nursery stage. This study aimed to analyze growth and developmental variability among six progenies of K. senegalensis in order to identify key morphological traits that can support early selection of superior genotypes. Thirty seeds collected from six mother trees were sown according to genotype using a randomized experimental design. Seedlings were monitored under nursery conditions, and ten agromorphological parameters related to growth and development were measured. The data were analyzed using multivariate statistical approaches, including discriminant analysis, to assess variation among progenies and determine the most informative traits. The results revealed significant variability among the progenies, highlighting the influence of genetic origin on early growth performance. Among the parameters studied, four traits: plant height, leaflet width, number of leaves, and number of internodes were identified as the most discriminant variables, effectively differentiating the progenies. These traits showed strong potential as early indicators of growth vigor and developmental performance. The identification of these key traits provides a practical basis for early selection in nursery conditions, which can enhance the efficiency of seedling production. Ultimately, this approach contributes to the optimization of nursery practices and supports the development of improved silvicultural strategies for K. senegalensis in Côte d’Ivoire.
Abstract: Mastering nursery production is a critical step for improving the silviculture of Khaya senegalensis, a major commercial forest species in Côte d’Ivoire. However, limited information is available on early-stage variability among progenies and the identification of reliable traits for selection at the nursery stage. This study aimed to analyze growt...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Antibiogram Studies of Hospital Aquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
Noel Igbinosa*
,
Frederick Ikechukwu Esumeh,
Helen Akinagu Obiazi,
Emmanuel Wemambu,
Julius Ehikioya Ofanson,
Seun Augustine Ikuejamofo
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
70-84
Received:
9 April 2026
Accepted:
23 April 2026
Published:
12 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20261403.12
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Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main causative agents of nosocomial and environmental infections which pose a major threat to health-care delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiogram studies of Hospital acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) isolates from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH). A total of 310 nasal, fomite and wound swabs were collected from different departments in ISTH. Swabs were cultured on Mannitol salt agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours for presumptive growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Gram staining and biochemical tests were conducted and the isolates were subcultured on Oxacillin Resistant Screening Agar Base for growth of MRSA. These were further screened for methicillin resistance by subjecting isolates through Oxacillin single disc and other classes of antibiotics. Molecular studies was done using the polymerase chain reaction to target some genes, using specific primers to detect, nuc, mecA, blaZ, pvl and SCCmec. Isolates were assayed for some virulent factors comprising biofilm, haemolysin and DNase. Results from this study revealed that HA-MRSA had a prevalence of 27%. On the distribution of isolates within ISTH and according to specific source, the prevalence in decreasing order were fomites (32%), cleaners (24%), nurses (19%), patients (13%), and doctors (12%). The results revealed that 38% of HA-MRSA possessed the nuc gene. Of the three genes amplified on all isolates, 62% possessed the mecA gene, 43% had blaZ, gene while 10% had pvl gene. Findings from this study shows that 12% of the isolates had CA-MRSA associated SCCmec IV. From the distribution of the SCCmec and pvl, it is evident that there is a drift of genetic material influx from CA-MRSA to HA-MRSA strains. Inference from this study also shows that some MRSA isolates possessing the targeted genes correlates with HA-MRSA isolates with higher MAR index. Results revealed that 96% of the HA-MRSA were resistant to cloxacillin, while varying percent of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, gentamincin, tetracycline and erythromycin. Vancomycin and Linezolid were the best drug of choice. The multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) index shows that some isolates had greater MAR index ranging between 0.2 - 0.4 and MAR index > 0.2 is a high risk source of antibiotic usage. In conclusion, most of the isolates recovered in this study had high MAR index, which is an indication of antibiotic overuse within the hospital sampled. Hence, the need for strict antibiotic stewardship.
Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main causative agents of nosocomial and environmental infections which pose a major threat to health-care delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiogram studies of Hospital acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) isolates from Ir...
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Research Article
Histopathological Alterations in Cardiac and Pulmonary Tissues Following Solder Paste Fume Inhalation in Wistar Rats
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
85-91
Received:
13 January 2026
Accepted:
23 January 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20261403.13
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Abstract: Occupational exposure to solder paste fumes is common among handset repairers and workers in electronic and industrial settings, particularly in underdeveloped countries where protective measures are often lacking. Despite known health concerns, experimental evidence on the histopathological effects of solder paste fumes on vital organs remains limited. This study investigated the impact of chronic inhalation of solder paste fumes on the heart and lungs of Wistar rats. Forty rats were divided into control (n = 12) and exposed (n = 28) groups. The exposed group inhaled solder paste fumes at a dose of 0.18 g twice daily for eight weeks. Tissue samples were collected at two-week intervals for histopathological evaluation. Results revealed hyperemia and distortion of cardiac muscle fibers in the hearts of exposed rats, while lung tissues showed severe degenerative and necrotic changes in alveolar sacs and ducts. These findings demonstrate that prolonged inhalation of solder paste fumes causes significant cardiac and pulmonary tissue damage, highlighting serious cardiovascular and respiratory risks. The study underscores the importance of implementing appropriate occupational safety measures to protect individuals routinely exposed to solder fumes.
Abstract: Occupational exposure to solder paste fumes is common among handset repairers and workers in electronic and industrial settings, particularly in underdeveloped countries where protective measures are often lacking. Despite known health concerns, experimental evidence on the histopathological effects of solder paste fumes on vital organs remains lim...
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