Effect of Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in patients with celiac disease on a long-term gluten-free diet

BACKGROUND The gluten-free diet(GFD)has limitations,and there is intense research in the development of adjuvant therapies.AIM To examine the effects of orally administered Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase protease(AN-PEP)on inadvertent gluten exposure and symptom prevention in adult celiac disease(CeD)patients following their usual GFD.METHODS This was an exploratory,double-blind,randomized,placebo-controlled trial that enrolled CeD patients on a long-term GFD.After a 4-wk run-in period,patients were randomized to 4 wk of two AN-PEP capsules(GliadinX;AVI Research,LLC,United States)at each of three meals per day or placebo.Outcome endpoints were:(1)Average weekly stool gluten immunogenic peptides(GIP)between the run-in and end of treatments and between AN-PEP and placebo;(2)celiac symptom index(CSI);(3)CeD-specific serology;and(4)quality of life.Stool samples were collected for GIP testing by ELISA every Tuesday and Friday during run-ins and treatments.RESULTS Forty patients were randomized for the intention-to-treat analysis,and three were excluded from the per-protocol assessment.Overall,628/640(98.1%)stool samples were collected.GIP was undetectable(<0.08μg/g)in 65.6%of samples,and no differences between treatment arms were detected.Only 0.5%of samples had GIP concentrations sufficiently high(>0.32μg/g)to potentially cause mucosal damage.Median GIP concentration in the AN-PEP arm was 44.7%lower than in the run-in period.One-third of patients exhibiting GIP>0.08μg/g during run-in had lower or undetectable GIP after AN-PEP treatment.Compared with the run-in period,the proportion of symptomatic patients(CSI>38)in the AN-PEP arm was significantly lower(P<0.03).AN-PEP did not result in changes in specific serologies.CONCLUSION This exploratory study conducted in a real-life setting revealed high adherence to the GFD.The AN-PEP treatment did not significantly reduce the overall GIP stool concentration.However,given the observation of a significantly lower prevalence of patients with severe symptoms in the AN-PEP arm,further clinical research is warranted.

Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in celiac disease

We comment here on the article by Stefanolo et al entitled“Effect of Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in patients with celiac disease on a long-term gluten-free diet”,published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Celiac disease is a well-recognized systemic autoimmune disorder.In genetically susceptible people,the most evident damage is located in the small intestine,and is caused and worsened by the ingestion of gluten.For that reason,celiac patients adopt a gluten-free diet(GFD),but it has some limitations,and it does not prevent re-exposure to gluten.Research aims to develop adjuvant therapies,and one of the most studied alternatives is supplementation with Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase protease(AN-PEP),which is able to degrade gluten in the stomach,reducing its concentration in the small intestine.The study found a high adherence to the GFD,but did not address AN-PEP as a gluten immunogenic peptide reducer,as it was only tested in patients following a GFD and not in gluten-exposing conditions.This study opens up new research perspectives in this area and shows that further study is needed to clarify the points that are still in doubt.

Modeling the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Local Context for a Contextualized Diffusion of Agroecological Intensification Options in Niger

Spatio-temporal variability and dynamics in Sahelian agro-pastoral zones make each local situation a special case. These specificities must be considered to guide the dissemination of agricultural options with a view to sustainable development. The territorial scale of municipalities is not sufficient for this necessary contextualization;the scale of the “village terroir” seems to be a better option. This is the hypothesis we put forward in the framework of the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems program (CRFS), i.e. local context is spatially defined by village terroir. The study is based on data collected through participatory mapping and surveys in “village terroirs” in three regions of Niger (Maradi, Dosso and Tillabéri). Then the links between farm managers and their cultivated land, as well as the spatio-temporal dynamics of local context are analyzed. This study provides evidence of the existence and functional usefulness of the village terroir for farmers, their land management and their activities. It demonstrates the usefulness of contextualizing agricultural options at this scale. Their analysis elucidates the links between “terroirs village” and the specific functioning of the agrosocio-ecosystems acting on each of them, thus laying the systemic and geographical foundations for a model of the spatio- temporal dynamics of “village terroirs”. This initial work has opened up new perspectives in modeling and sustainable development.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Infections in Sickle Cell Children in Two Referral Hospitals in Niamey, Niger

Introduction: Infections are significant causes of mortality in sickle cell children in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile and bacterial ecology of infections in children with sickle-cell disease in two referral hospitals in Niamey. Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2020 in two referral hospitals in Niamey. All children aged one (1) to 15 years with sickle cell disease admitted for suspected infection, including at least one bacterial culture, were studied. Bacteriological analysis was performed using the appropriate culture media, using BactAlert (Reference 4700003 BTA3D60 BioMérieux). Results: Over 36-months, 350 children with a mean age of 10.9 months were admitted. The sex ratio was 1.2. The SS electrophoretic profile was the most common (93.4%). Immunization status was up to date in 66% of patients. Fever was the common reason for consultation (55.1%). Infection was confirmed in 62 patients (17.7%). The primary diagnoses were bacterial gastroenteritis (24.2%) and urinary tract infection (19.4%). Blood cultures were isolated from Salmonella typhi (13.0%) and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Klebsiella spp (7.1%) and Escherichia coli (5.0%) were detected in cytobacteriological examination of urine. Salmonella typhi (23.5%) and Escherichia coli (5.9%) were isolated on coproculture. Conclusion: Bacterial ecology appears not different from that usually observed in sickle-cell children. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were predominant.

Primary Non-Hodgkin’s Malignant Lymphoma of the Uterus at the Reference Hospital of Maradi/Niger: A Case Report

Malignant non-Hodgkins lymphoma (MHNL) of the uterus is uncommon. We report a case diagnosed on the basis of histologic and immunohistochemical studies of a hysterectomy specimen induced by a very painful pelvic mass in a 50-year-old patient with no previous history of the disease. It was classified as Ann Arbor IV Bb after imaging, given the medullary infiltration and signs of clinical and biological evolutivity: the patient had received two courses of chemotherapy, CHOP protocol. She died 23 days after the second treatment due to a hypertensive crisis.

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Characteristics of Gold and Its Mineralization Style in the Boulon Djounga Eastern Perimeter of Liptako Mining Company (Central Southwestern Niger)

The Boulon Djounga eastern perimeter is part of the Tiawa operating permit of the Société des Mines du Liptako (SML), located in the central southwestern part of Liptako (Niger). In this study, we used field data, Reverse Circulation (RC) surveys and chemical analyzes of gold to determine the characteristics of gold and its mineralization style. The eastern perimeter of Boulon Djounga is represented by a succession of metabasalts and metasediments both intersected by intrusions of quartz and dolerite dykes, and covered by sandstone and clayey rocks. Gold is present in low contents (0.00 - 0.30 ppm) in the sedimentary cover and in medium (0.30 - 1.00 ppm) or high contents (1.00 - 4.534 ppm) in the metasediments, and in the gray quartz veins and locally in the volcanics. It exists in a disseminated state or in a concentrated state in the surrounding areas in the form of discrete grains associated with sulphurous minerals (pyrite: FeS2, chalcopyrite: CuFeS2 or arsenopyrite: FeAsS). The presence of gold in the quartz veins, and the NE-SW and NW-SE orientations of the ore bodies suggest that the eastern Boulon Djounga gold mineralization would be established during a late magmatic extensive phase.

New understanding and exploration direction of hydrocarbon accumulation in Termit Basin, Niger

Based on the seismic and drilling data, casting thin sections, geochemical analysis of oil and rock samples, and hydrocarbon generation history simulation, the hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics and exploration direction of Termit superimposed marine–continental rift basin are discussed. The Termit basin is superimposed with two-phase rifts(Early Cretaceous and Paleogene). The subsidence curves from two wells on the Trakes slope in the east of the basin show high subsidence rate in the Late Cretaceous, which is believed to be high deposition rate influenced by transgression. However, a weak rift may also be developed. The depositional sequences in the Termit basin were controlled by the Late Cretaceous marine transgression cycle and the Paleogene lacustrine transgression cycle, giving rise to two types of superimposed marine–continental “source-sink” deposits. The marine and continental mixed source rocks developed universally in the whole basinduring the marine transgression period, and are overlaid by the Paleogene Sokor 1 reservoir rocks and Sokor 2 caprocks developed during the lacustrine transgression period, forming the unique superimposed marine–continental basin in WCARS. The early low geothermal gradient in the Termit basin resulted in the late hydrocarbon generated by the source rock of Upper Cretaceous Yogou in Paleogene. Mature source rock of Upper Cretaceous Donga developed in the Trakes slope, so that the double-source-supply hydrocarbon and accumulation models are proposed for the Trakes slope in which formed the oil fields. Due to virtue of the newly proposed hydrocarbon accumulation model and the exploration activities in recent years in the Termit superimposed marine–continental rift basin, an additional effective exploration area of about 2500 km2has been confirmed in the east of the basin. It is believed that potential domains such as Sokor 1, Donga and Upper Cretaceous lithologic traps in the southeast of the basin are key expected targets for exploration and frontier evaluation in future.

Nutritional and nutraceutical variability in neglected niger(Guizotia abyssinica(L.f.)Cass.)accessions from Eastern Ghats of India

The exploitation of neglected niger accessions plays a crucial role in future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality.Present study evaluated the genetic variation in nutritional and nutraceutical compositions of 30 indigenous niger accessions originating from Eastern Ghats of India,and compare them with three improved varieties of the locality.The proximate compositions(g/100 g)showed significant variations,with moisture ranging from 1.36 g to 4.95 g,ash from 1.06 g to 5.45 g,fat from 28.53 g to 44.11 g,protein from 8.84 g to 18.18 g,carbohydrate from 11.21 g to 35.09 g,fiber from 16.32 g to 26.62 g,and energy from 407.32 kcal to 526.84 kcal.Niger seeds are rich in phenol 41.10–82.20 mg/g,flavonoid 5.32–15.98μg/g,antioxidant 13.59–31.08%across the accessions.Principal component analysis revealed that the first two axis explained 41.8%of the total variation,indicating significant differences among genotypes.The heritability and genetic advance in percent of mean(GAM)ranged from 61.11%to 99.91%and 12.5%–89.1%among the traits across the populations.High heritability and GAM recorded in vitamin C,ash content,antioxidant capacity,flavonoid and phenol suggests that these traits may be important for niger breeding program.Altogether,some indigenous niger accessions such as Mangardora,Ganjeipadar and Kolabnagar had exceptionally rich in fat,protein and energy contents and are nutritionally superior compared to improved variety of the locality.Further,exceptional rich in flavonoid,antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was recorded in Manahar,Badapada and Mahadeiput.These nutrition rich accessions have ample opportunities for future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality and hold great potential in food industry for making high value functional food.

Inventory of Host Plants and Parasitoids of the Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Niger

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), is a polyphagous pest reported in sub-Saharan Africa since 2016 and has expanded rapidly in almost Africa. In Niger, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) is considered like a major pest of maize, to which it causes significant damage, in a context where proven control methods against this moth remain almost non-existent. The objective of the present study was to determine the economic importance of FAW through the damage caused to the different host plants and to identify the parasitoids of this caterpillar. The study was conducted in the southern agricultural zone of Niger, specifically in the regions of Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder. FAW eggs and caterpillars were collected from six villages in each region and then incubated and reared in the entomology laboratory of INRAN in Maradi. The rate of infestation of the different crops by FAW was determined as well as the observation of the beneficiaries. The results obtained indicate the presence of FAW on millet with an attack rate varying from 45.7% to 68%, sorghum with 47.2% to 62.25% and sesame with 9.7%. This work also revealed an oophagous parasitoid, Telenomus remus with 138 ± 23 and larval parasitoids, Cotesia sp with 16 ± 1 maximum number of individuals emerged from the collected material. Also, it was identified the parasitoid Cotesia icipe with a rate of parasitism from 4.6% to 5.75%;the Charops ater whose rate of parasitism varies from 4.5% and 12.25% but for Chelonus insularis with 17.25% and Tachnidae with 53%. These very interesting results will constitute a basis for the development of biological control and a component of an agroecological management strategy of caterpillar.

Application of Spatial Techniques for the Identification of Discontinuous Aquifers of the Basement in Semi-Arid Environment: A Case of Bagzan Mount Plateau, Aïr Massif (North, Niger)

Bagzan mount is located in the Aïr massifs region. This locality, which is constituted only by the granites and volcanic formations, knows the difficulty of water supply that depends on rainfall. This present study has the objective of fracture mapping that allowed to the fractured aquifer in Bagzan mount. The methodological approach used has a treatment of Digital Elevation Model (DEM imagery), hydrogeological and geological approach in the field. This process allowed us to map the lineaments and elaborate a fracturing map after the validation stage. The fracturing map showed that the fractures network is distributed in the N70°-N80°, N60°-N70°, N50°-N60°, and two secondary directions N90°-N100° and N120°-N140°. These fracturing maps allowed us to have precious information in groundwater research in Bagzan mount, due to their geological and hydrogeological complexity.

Antibiotic Resistance in the Uropathogenic Enterobacteria Isolated from Patients Attending General Reference Hospital (GRH) of Niamey, Niger

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent reason for consultation and lead to a significant and sometimes inappropriate prescription of antibiotics. The latter favors antibiotic resistance and an increase in mortality as well as the cost of treatment. The present study aims to contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance of enterobacteria. Methods: This is a prospective study from January to December, 2021 in the Microbiology laboratory of the General Reference Hospital (GRH) of Niamey including 3369 urine samples. The antibiotic resistance of enterobacteria was determined using the Viteck-2 method. Results: At least 280 strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from the patient’s urine. Among these strains, Escherichia coli was the most predominant (74.64%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.07%) and Enterobacter cloacae (7.14%) and other enterobacteria 2.15%. These Enterobacteriaceae are more common in community patients than in hospitalized patients. The average age of patients is 52 years and the age group most affected by these enterobacteria is 46 - 60 years (23.33%). The female sex is the most affected sex with (51.07%) against (48.97%) for the male sex with 1.04 as sex ratio. The hospitalization departments most affected by these enterobacteria are Nephrology (29.23%) and Endocrinology (21.54%). Up to 75% of the Enterobacteriaceae isolates show high resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ticarcillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoxitin, cefixime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cotrimoxazole, nalidixic acid and ofloxacin. Conclusion: The high rate of antibiotic resistance among enterobacteria in urine is of concern. Only a few Enterobacteriaceae show low resistance to ertapenem, imipenem, amikacin, gentamicin, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin. Therefore, these antibiotics are recommended as first line treatment for urinary tract infections.

Challenges of Groundwater Development and Supply in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Some problems of groundwater development in the Niger Delta ranging from negligence to geological peculiarities are examined to highlight the importance and application of geologic knowledge and research for decision making and averting failure in groundwater development for provisional use. Although the geology and hydrogeologic properties of the aquifer system in the Niger Delta immensely favors groundwater development, there are several recorded cases of failed groundwater development projects poor water quality, dry boreholes and boreholes with surprisingly low yield which could have been avoided. This is due to the perception that since groundwater is prolific, geologic and locational peculiarities can be ignored. This research has highlighted the importance of the knowledge of the hydrogeology of the different geologic units as significant factor in the success of groundwater projects through the correlation of past research of geologic units and groundwater potentials, quality and challenges with the present projects implemented in some of the locations. Cases where groundwater projects are executed with wrong exploration options and without consideration of the peculiarity of the geologic units of the project area, including engagement of incompetent contractors, and negligence to the existing regulatory framework for groundwater development in Nigeria are presented. In order to promote sustainable groundwater development and management in the Niger Delta, this research highlights and recommends the pragmatic use of geologic information including various technical, institutional, regulatory and management measures which have the capacity to avert challenges in groundwater development for provisional use.

Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Treatment in Sickle Cell Patients Monitored at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Niger

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a real public health problem in the world and particularly in Niger where the prevalence of the S gene is estimated at 25% and that of the homozygous forms at between 1% and 2%. Treatment combines quarterly follow-up of patients and management of complications. The objective of this study was to identify the potential explanatory factors of non-adherence to treatment in sickle cell patients followed at the national reference center for sickle cell disease in Niger. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of sickle cell cases followed at the CNRD in Niger. The population consisted of all sickle cell patients followed in this center in 2021. The data collection techniques were individual interviews and documentary reviews. Non-adherence was assessed with the Girerd test. Descriptive statistical tests and simple and multiple logistic regression models were performed. Results: A total of 368 patients were enrolled. The median age is 7 years (4;10) and the sex ratio is 1.04. Ninety-eight (98) or 26.6% were compliant and 270 (73.4%) were non-compliant. In multivariate analysis, the factors independently and negatively associated with non-adherence to treatment were schooling (adjusted OR [95% CI], p-value), 0.17 [0.10 - 0.30];p Conclusion: The factors influencing treatment compliance identified in this study are all modifiable. To prevent the complications of sickle cell disease, we must fight against ignorance, make care services accessible and make care free.

Secondary pulmonary infection by Fusarium solani and Aspergillus niger during systemic steroid treatment for COVID-19:A case report

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis presents a diagnostic challenge due to its non-specific clinical/imaging features,as well as the fact that the proposed clinically diagnostic algorithms do not necessarily apply to COVID-19 patients.In addition,Fusarium spp.is a rare cause of opportunistic life-threatening fungal infections.Disseminated Fusarium infection in an immunocompromised host is intractable,with a high likelihood of resulting mortality.To our knowledge,this is the first case of secondary pulmonary infection by Fusarium solani(F.solani)and Aspergillus niger(A.niger)during systemic steroid treatment for COVID-19.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male was transported to our hospital by ambulance with a complaint of fever and dyspnea.We established a diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia,complicated with COVID-19 and septic shock,together with acute renal failure.He was admitted to the intensive care unit,to be treated with piperacillin/tazobactam,vancomycin,and 6.6 mg per day of dexamethasone sodium phosphate,along with noradrenaline as a vasopressor,ventilator management,and continuous hemodiafiltration.His condition improved,and we finished the vasopressor on the fifth hospital day.We administered dexamethasone for ten days,and finished the course of treatment.On the eleventh day,patient respiratory deterioration was observed,and a computed tomography scan showed an exacerbation of bilateral ground-glass-opacity-like consolidation,together with newly appeared cavitary lesions in the lung.we changed antibiotics to meropenem plus vancomycin.In addition,a fungal infection was considered as a possibility based on microscopic findings of sputum,and we began coadministration of voriconazole.However,the pneumonia worsened,and the patient died on the seventeenth day of illness.Later,F.solani and A.niger were identified from sputum collected on the twelfth day.It was believed that he developed a cell-mediated immune deficiency during COVID-19 treatment,which led to the complication of pneumonia caused by the above-mentioned fungi,contributing to his death.CONCLUSION Because early initiation of intense antifungal therapy offers the best chance for survival in pulmonary fusariosis,computed tomography scans and appropriate microbiologic investigations should be obtained for severely immunocompromised patients.

Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Reservoir in the “SIMA” Field of Niger Delta Nigeria from Interpretation of 3D Seismic and Petrophysical Log Data

3D seismic and petrophysical log data interpretation of reservoir sands in “SIMA” Field, onshore Niger Delta has been undertaken in this study to ascertain the reservoir characteristics in terms of favourable structural and petrophysical parameters suitable for hydrocarbon accumulation and entrapment in the field. Horizon and fault interpretation were carried out for subsurface structural delineation. In all, seven faults (five normal and two listric faults) were mapped in the seismic section. These faults were major structure building faults corresponding to the growth and antithetic faults in the area within the well control. The antithetic fault trending northwest-southeast and the normal fault trending northeast-southwest on the structural high in the section act as good trapping mechanisms for hydrocarbon accumulations in the reservoir. From the manual and auto-tracking methods applied, several horizons were identified and mapped. The section is characterized by high amplitude with moderate-to-good continuity reflections appearing parallel to sub-parallel, mostly disturbed by some truncations which are more fault related than lithologic heterogeneity. The southwestern part is, however, characterized by low-to-high or variable amplitude reflections with poor-to-low continuity. Normal faults linked to roll-over anticlines were identified. Some fault truncations were observed due to lithologic heterogeneity. The combination of these faults acts as good traps for hydrocarbon accumulations in the reservoir. Reservoir favourable petrophysical qualities, having average NTG, porosity, permeability and water saturation of 5 m, 0.20423, 1128.219 kD and 0.458 respectively.

Application of a Multi-Criteria Approach for the Assessment of Groundwater Potential in the Basement Zone: A Case of Tamou (South West Niger)

The commune of Tamou, located in the Department of Say in Niger, occupies the southwestern part of the Liptako crystallophyllian basement domain. In this area, the problem of the drinking water supply of the populations is acute, because of the low flow rates of the drillings capturing the crystallophyllian formations and the Voltaian sandstones, the failure rates of the drillings are very high there. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to improve the knowledge of the areas potentially favorable for the implantation of drillings likely to give more satisfactory flow rates. The methodological approach, based on the collection of data (Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite imagery, borehole data, geological and topographical maps) and their processing by a combination of remote sensing and GIS tools and a field check, allowed the elaboration of maps of availability, accessibility and exploitability of the groundwater resources in the study area. The maps developed were analyzed with a Spatial Reference Hydrogeological Information System following the technique of aggregation by weighting to generate the map of productive drilling sites. The results show that the area is moderately rich in groundwater (58%) and that only 31% of the potential is exploitable. The groundwater potential map shows that 46% of the study area is suitable for drilling.

Hydrocarbon Prospectivity and Risk Assessment of “Bob” Field Central Swamp Depobelt, Onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

This paper evaluates the hydrocarbon prospectivity and play risks of “Bob” field in Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria. The aim is to enhance exploration success through improved approach/technique by incorporating risk analysis that previous studies have not fully considered. This approach combines a set of analyses including stratigraphic/structural, amplitude, petrophysical parameter, volumetric and play risk using a suite of well logs and 3D seismic data. Maximum amplitude anomaly map extracted on the surfaces of delineated 3 reservoirs revealed 6 prospects, namely: Dippers, Cranes, Turacos, Nicators, Jacanas and Pelicans with hydrocarbon accumulation. Petrophysical analysis showed ranges of values for porosity, permeability and water saturation of 0.21 to 0.23, 158.96 to 882.39 mD, and 0.07 to 0.11, respectively. The various prospects yielded the following stock tank volumes 12.73, 6.84, 3.84, 11.32, 7.42 and 4.76 Million barrels (Mbls) each respectively in a column of 66 ft reservoir sand in the study area. Play risk analysis results gave: Pelicans and Nicators (low), Turacos and Dippers (moderate), while Jacanas and Cranes show high risk with minimal promise for good oil accumulation. The prospects possess good reservoir petrophysical properties with low to moderate risk, thus, viable for commercial hydrocarbon production, which increases confidence in management decisions for production.

Kinetics of Bioremediation of Oil Contaminated Water Dispersed by Environment-Friendly Bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Fungi (Aspergillus niger)

The comparative effectiveness of remediating water polluted with crude oil, using environment-friendly bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Aspergillus niger) were investigated. The samples were separately treated with Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bioremediation kinetic efficiency for these systems was studied. At the end of the bioremediation periods, the oil and grease content of the samples decreased from 47.0 mg/L in the untreated sample to 7.0 mg/L after 20 days when inoculated with bacteria while the sample inoculated with fungi decreased to 10.0 mg/L. Post analysis when inoculated with bacteria showed a fall in the value of the biological oxygen demand (BOD) from 73.84 mg/L to 33.28 mg/L after 20 days, while, the fungi inoculated sample showed a reduction from 73.84 mg/L to 38.48 mg/L. The biodegradation process with the bacteria was consistent with the pseudo-first-order model with a rate constant of 0.0891 day-1, while the biodegradation process with the fungi was consistent with the first order reaction model with a rate constant of 0.422 day-1. The degree of degradation after the 20th day of inoculation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 85.11%, while with Aspergillus niger was 78.72%. Thus, the results obtained showed that, Pseudomonas aeruginosa performed better than Aspergillus niger. The bioremediation data with fungi fitted the first-order model, while that of the bacteria fitted the pseudo-first-order model. Therefore, the data obtained in this study could be applied in the design of a bioremediation system for potential application to remediation of crude oil polluted water.

Farmer Participatory Evaluation of Sorghum Hybrid in Niger

Participatory varietal selection (PVS) with farmers and Seed Companies was conducted at Maradi research station (07°05'E/13°48'N) and in farmer field to evaluate and select sorghum hybrid varieties for high yield and other important agronomic traits. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications where flowering (days), plant height (cm) and yield (kg) were collected. The analysis of variance showed highly significance among treatments of all traits measured Environment and Genotype by Environment interactions also contributed significantly to the performance of yield components. The highest average grain yield was recorded from hybrids P9511A x ST9007-5-2-1 (4289 kg/ha), NE223A x 90SN1 (3666 kg/ha), NE223A x Sepon 82 (3533 kg/ha) and NE223A x P9405 (3519 kg/ha) across locations. Farmers’ preferences were the panicle size, good seed set, earliness, and seed color. Hence, in a variety selection farmer’s preferences focus more on prioritized yield-related trait. The best varieties ranked by traits of interest were P9511A x ST9007-5-2-1, NE223A x 90SN1, NE223A x P9405 and P9511A x SEPON 82 that performed well under their circumstances. The results showed that farmers’ preferred varieties match with researchers. Therefore, based on objectively measured traits, farmers’ preferences and the agro ecologies of the site, varieties NE223A x 90SN1 and P9511A x ST9007-5-2-1 were found promising for production.