2025

Ophthalmic infections are a major cause of ocular morbidity, and effective therapy depends on the potency of antibiotic eyedrops. The study evaluated the in vitro antibacterial activity of four ophthalmic antibiotics namely: Ciprofloxacin (Ciprotab), Moxifloxacin, Gentamicin, and Chloramphenicol, tested across varying expiration intervals and at a single dilution level. Activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected eyes using disk diffusion and agar-well diffusion methods. The findings showed that Moxifloxacin demonstrated the broadest spectrum at both diluted and undiluted concentrations, effective against all bacterial isolates. Ciprofloxacin (Ciprotab) showed activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae with the highest inhibition zone (25 mm), but was inactive against P. aeruginosa. Gentamicin showed activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae (greater than 10 mm) but was inactive against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Chloramphenicol showed efficacy at both diluted and undiluted concentrations less than six months after expiration (greater 10 mm). However, diluted chloramphenicol samples less than one year before expiration showed no activity against all isolates (0). In conclusion, the study recommended that sensitivity test should be carried out on all bacterial isolates from pathogenic eye(s) before prescribing, to prevent antibiotic resistance. Also, patients should adhere strictly to antibiotic expiration dates and use eyedrops without dilution.

This study examines the sedimentological and biostratigraphical characteristics of Well X-1 in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt of the Niger Delta Basin, Southern Nigeria, in order to determine the age, depositional environment, and hydrocarbon potential of the penetrated strata. Seventy two ditch cutting samples collected between 4500 ft and 11460 ft were analyzed using reflected light microscopy to document lithology, grain size, sorting, and other sedimentological attributes. Four main lithofacies were identified. These are sandstone, shale, sandy shale, and shaly sand. Forty nine lithozones were delineated and used to interpret the vertical depositional succession. The sandstone and sandy shale units form a continuous reservoir interval between 5340 ft and 7260 ft, while the thick shale units below 7860 ft represent the probable source rock. A shale dominated interval above 4740 ft was interpreted as the seal or cap rock. Biostratigraphical interpretation using foraminiferal biofacies, F zone data, P zone data, and the Niger Delta chronostratigraphic chart revealed five maximum flooding surfaces at 6265 ft, 6688 ft, 7247 ft, 7771 ft, and 10280 ft, together with eight sequence boundaries occurring between 5899 ft and 10602 ft. These surfaces correspond to ages ranging from the Aquitanian to the Chattian. Foraminiferal abundance patterns show a dominance of calcareous benthonic species, which indicates deposition in a shelf environment. The alignment of the Bolivina 27 shale marker at 28.1 Ma with the basal shale supports its interpretation as the source rock interval. The combination of sedimentological and biostratigraphical evidence confirms the presence of the essential elements of a petroleum system, with favourable timing for hydrocarbon generation, migration, and entrapment

This study aims to carry out a semantic analysis of songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies by identifying the songs sung in Ilaje cultural ceremonies., analyzing the meaning of these songs, and lastly, exploring the cultural significance of these songs within Ilaje ceremonies. For this research, primary data collection was used, this involved conducting oral interviews with 3 native speakers of Ilaje who are fluent with the language to have a concise view about the songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies and its worldview. A total of 10 songs were gotten from these informants with both The data was collected from the Ilaje region in Ondo State, Nigeria. An audio recorder was used as a tool for recording the data for clarity and authenticity of the research. The theoretical framework employed is the Ethnography of Communication (SPEAKING model) by Hymes (1964). The findings revealed that Ilaje songs include cultural songs celebrating Ilaje identity, naming ceremony songs celebrating childbirth, and wedding songs offering advice for marital life. The cultural songs emphasizes unity, cultural pride, and the importance of preserving Ilaje customs and language. Naming ceremony songs celebrate birth, wish prosperity, and reject misfortune such as childlessness, while wedding ceremony songs offers advice on marital virtues like submission, patience, and tolerance to ensure a successful marriage. These songs serve to preserve Ilaje culture, promote unity, and guide individuals through life’s milestones. They emphasize the importance of heritage, social cohesion, and moral lessons for a harmonious community and family life. The study showed that songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies help preserve their identity and culture. These songs promote unity, celebrate important life events, and teach values like patience, respect, and family harmony. The researcher recommends further studies in this particular area and any aspect not touched in this study be treated by linguist, scholars or any other researchers who have interest in the semantic analysis of songs in Ilaje cultural ceremonies or any other dialect of Yoruba language

This study explores the harmful effects of lead acetate exposure on the kidneys, liver, and blood in Wistar rats, aiming to shed light on potential risks to human health from this common environmental toxin. Over a four-week period, adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving distilled water and three treatment groups administered varying doses of lead acetate (low, medium, and high) via oral gavage. Weekly assessments included hematological analyses such as complete blood counts, measurements of inflammatory markers like TNF-α in liver and kidney tissues, and oxidative stress evaluations through assays for key enzymes and antioxidants. Results revealed dose- dependent disruptions, with treated groups showing significant reductions in hemoglobin, platelet, and white blood cell counts, alongside elevated neutrophil and lymphocyte levels indicative of immune stress. In the liver and kidneys, heightened TNF-α concentrations pointed to progressive inflammation, while oxidative stress markers demonstrated increased lipid peroxidation and depleted antioxidant defenses, particularly in higher-dose groups by week four. These findings underscore lead acetate's capacity to induce organ damage through oxidative and inflammatory pathways, highlighting the need for stricter controls on lead exposure in industrial and everyday settings to prevent similar toxicities in humans.

This study examines the challenges of implementing Biology curriculum in senior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. The purpose of the study is to determine the challenges faced by both students and teachers during the implementation of the Biology curriculum and to ascertain the impact on students’performance academically. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study, the sample of the study study comprised of 40 teachers from selected senior secondary schools, data was elicited from the respondents using a questionnaire which was validated and proven to be reliable. The data retrieved from the respondents were analysed and the findings of the study revealed that teachers face many challenges during the implementation of the Biology curriculum and such challenges impact their ability to adequately carry out their duties thereby affecting the performance of students in Biology, some of the challenges revealed includes,poor teacher training, insufficient teaching aids and resources, inadequate teaching methods and overcrowded Biology classrooms and these challenges were proven to negatively impact students’ performance in Biology. The study concluded that several challenges hinder the Implementation of the Biology curriculum in senior secondary schools and these challenges has been proven to negatively impact students’academic performance, it is recommended that more funds should be allocated to the educational sector in order to boost the adequacy of the Biology laboratory and curriculum developers should review the Biology curriculum and lessen it's breadth and width and policy makers should increase the amount of time allocated to Biology practicals and lessons and ensure that such laws are being obeyed. School administrators should also ensure that the approved ratio of students to teachers are enforced in classrooms.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a widely utilized medicinal herb recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective phytochemicals; however, its renal safety profile under normal physiological conditions remains inadequately characterized. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves on kidney function parameters in healthy female Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly distributed into five groups (n=6 per group): a control group receiving distilled water and four test groups administered 300, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Basil extract orally for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum samples were analyzed for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) and markers of renal function (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) using standard biochemical protocols. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the groups for all evaluated parameters, though mild dose-dependent fluctuations were observed, all remaining within normal physiological ranges. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations exhibited no notable disturbances, indicating maintained electrolyte and acid-base balance, while urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels remained stable, suggesting preserved glomerular filtration and tubular function. These findings suggest that sub- chronic administration of ethanolic Sweet Basil leaf extract at doses up to 1500 mg/kg does not adversely affect renal biochemical indices in normal female Wistar rats, demonstrating its relative safety under non-pathological conditions. It is concluded that Ocimum basilicum is safe within the tested dosage and duration; however, further research incorporating histopathological assessment, molecular markers of renal function, longer durations of administration, and diseased models is recommended to fully validate its renal safety and therapeutic potential.

The study examines the impact of teaching practice on the productivity of teachers in public secondary schools in Egor local government area of Edo state. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and examined. The sample size for the study was made up of 65 public secondary teachers in Egor local government. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. An analysis of data was done using mean and standard deviation. From the finding, it unveiled that teachers encounter a plethora of challenges in implementing effective teaching practices, such challenges include lack of resources, insufficient support from school administrators, large class sizes, students’ varying learning styles and abilities, and students’ limited access to technology or resources outside of the classroom. The study recommended that Schools should ensure they cope with the changing technological environment and organizational climate by designing proper and functional in-service training and staff development programmes for their teachers to boost their morale, enhance their productivity and ensure that workers' training is conducted frequently in schools.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in frequent motor impairment that affects patients‘ independence and quality of life. Method: This study employed a retrospective study design, examining existing data from case notes and medical records. Data were collected from hospital physiotherapy records of stroke survivors managed between 2018 and 2024. Information collected include demographics, stroke type, pre and post treatment scores using the NIHSS and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Data analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS version 26 using descriptive and Chi-square statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result: The study of 82 stroke survivors demonstrated that physiotherapy intervention led to statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in motor function. Post-treatment results showed marked increases in upper and lower limb muscle strength, with the proportion of patients rated as having "good" coordination rising from 39.0% to 64.6%, balance from 35.4% to 67.1%, and range of motion from 18.3% to 62.2%. Conclusion: Comprehensive physiotherapy is highly effective in promoting motor recovery after stroke. A multifaceted rehabilitation approach, rather than reliance on a single technique, is recommended to maximize patient outcomes in strength, balance, and coordination. Keyword: Physiotherapy intervention, motor recovery, stroke. UBTH

According to Black’s Law Dictionary, police brutality refers to the use of excessive
and/or unnecessary force by the police in dealing with civilians.1 This misconduct may
take different forms, including physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other
abuses of power. The term is often used broadly to describe a range of human rights
violations such as beatings, racial abuse, unlawful killings, torture, and the
indiscriminate use of riot-control measures against peaceful protesters.2
In Nigeria, police brutality has become one of the most pressing human rights concerns.
Instances of extrajudicial killings, torture, unlawful detention, and harassment are
widespread, despite the existence of constitutional guarantees and legal frameworks
regulating police conduct. The victims are often ordinary citizens, particularly young
people, who lack the resources to seek redress.
Globally, police violence is not unique to Nigeria. In the United States, for example, The
Washington Post database records that 892 people were shot and killed by the police in
2016, though this figure had to be compiled from media reports, public records, and
social media posts due to weak official recordkeeping.3 Such gaps in transparency are
themselves a form of injustice. High-profile cases such as the killing of George Floyd in
May 2020 by Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin sparked international outrage and
mass protests against police brutality.

Stress is an inevitable part of modern life and a major psychological burden, especially for professionals working in high-demand environments such as radiology department. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological stress levels and coping mechanisms among radiographers working in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross sectional survey was adopted for all 31 radiographers available at the hospital at the point of data collection the results indicated that radiographers at UBTH predominantly experienced mild to moderate psychological stress, with task-related pressure showing a notable mean score of 3.58 on the PSS. Statistical testing revealed no meaningful gender influence on stress levels (χ² = 0.49, p = 0.48), indicating that both males and females were similarly affected. The most intense stress triggers were linked to equipment failure (mean = 3.71) and heavy workload (mean = 3.58), alongside persistent time pressure (mean = 3.42). In response, many radiographers relied on proactive coping most notably taking action to solve their problems (mean = 3.06) while avoidance and substance-based strategies remained minimal (means ≤ 1.45). The study concluded that radiographers in UBTH experience noticeable levels of psychological stress, with most respondents falling within the mild-to-moderate range. The findings suggest that radiographers are striving to remain resilient, but systemic improvements are needed to reduce workplace stress and protect their long-term mental well-being.