DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Candida species are reportedly the most common human fungal pathogens. The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida species has increased in recent decades. However, such infections rarely occur in the absence of any predisposing factors. The development of Candida species infection depends on several factors such as age, sex, and immunity of the host-pathogen relationship. Regarding this, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of candida species in urine of female. The current study was conducted on fifty (50) urine samples collected from female students within the age of 17 to 24 residing in university of Benin using a sterile universal container. Each of the collected samples was diluted serially and incubated in petri dish containing Sabourad Dextrose Agar (SDA) at 37 0C for 72hours. After subculturing, Candida species were diagnosed differentially using the germ tube test, colony staining, sugar fermentation test and microscopic morphological examination. Result shows that, the color of a urine sample is not an indicating factor of the presence of candida (infection) as candida growth were significantly present in all color types. According to the results, 40%, 20%, 17.1%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 5.7% and 5.7% of the isolates were identified as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, Candida parasiliosis, Candida pseudotropicalis and Cadida glabrata, respectively. Our result showed no significant correlation between age and prevalence of Candida in the urine. Based on the obtained results, Candida albicans species was the most prevalent Candida species. Hence, Candida. albicans are the main course of urinary tract infections in female.

Over population has become a problem worldwide thus the need for drugs with fewer side effects compared to known orthodox drugs. At present there are reports from pregnant women who used the bi-herbal formulation during early pregnancy and noticed that it caused abortion, thus the need to scientifically investigate the safety of the bi- herbal formulation of Carica papaya leaf and Vernonia amygdalina on pregnant and non- pregnant albino Wistar rats. The n- hexane extract of bi- herbal formulation of Carica papaya leaf and Vernonia amygdalina was administered to the female animals orally at the doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg per day for 14 days before mating and after confirmation of pregnancy respectively. Twenty four hours after the last administered dose, all the animals were sacrificed, uteri and blood were collected for examination and hormonal assay respectively. The results revealed that the reproductive hormonal assays (progesterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating hormones and luteinizing hormones) of tested animals significantly decreased within the tested period compared to the control. The pregnancy outcome results revealed there were signs of resorption and abortion in the uterus of the supposed pregnant rats compared with the control which had fetus in their uteri. This result revealed that the extract can be used as a contraceptive and an abortificent agent.

Engineered materials with at least one dimension between 1 and 100nanometer are known as nano-materials. The energy, cosmetic, aerospace, in addition medicinal industries, among many others, all stand to benefit from the unique features of nano-fluids in addition colloidal suspensions made up of different nanomaterials. Nanoparticles are regarded as excellent candidates for the creation of smart drilling fluids, i.e., fluids with specifically tailored rheological in addition flow characteristics, owing to their distinct physio-chemical features. The capacity of the drilling mud to sustain cuttings is represented by its rheological properties (gel- strength, viscosity, in addition yield points), which is a crucial drilling mud feature. Failure to utilize mud with the required rheological property could lead to formation damage from excessive circulation pressure that breaks gel in additionclogged pipes from poor cutting suspension. This project is aimed at defining magnesium oxide effect on nanoparticles on the gel-strength of water base drilling mud, comparison of the gel-strength property of magnesium Oxide nano-base mud to conventional water mud, comparison of the gel-strength property of magnesium oxide nano-base mud to conventional water base containing Banana peel which improves the gel- strength of drilling mud. Laboratory preparation of the various samples of drilling mud at l0sec, 5min, l0min, 15min, 20min, 25min, 30min, 40min after 600rev/min agitation produced enough gel-strength data for each samples for graphical representation in addition analysis of gel-strength of the prepared samples of the drilling mud. The prepared samples are Sample 1 (bentonite clay mud (blank)), Sample 2 (bentonite mud + 0.5g Magnesium oxide), Sample3(bentonite mud + lg Magnesium oxide), Sample4(bentonite mud + 2g Magnesium oxide), Sample5 (bentonite mud + 0.5g Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample6 (bentonite mud + lg Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample7 (bentonite mud + 2g Magnesium oxide + 2g of banana peel), Sample8 (bentonite mud + 2g of banana peel). From the laboratory data in addition gel-strength vs time plot it was observe that the The sample formed a progressive type gel that began flat at llbf/100ft3 with the gel strength at l0sec in addition l0min being the same but rapidly improved as the static time increased. Sample 2 generated a flat-type gel that began flat at 21 bf/100 ft3 with the gel strength at 0 sec in addition 0 min remaining constant, but did not increase consistently as the static time increased. Sample3 - sample8 produced either a high-flat gel or a high- progressive gel, Sample3 in addition Sample4 which produced a high-flat gel as compared to the Sample4 - Sample8 which Also produced a high-progressive mud.

This project work focused on the green synthesis of Calcium Oxide (CaO) nanoparticles using
onion peel extract as capping and reducing agent which is non-toxic and biodegradable to
stabilize and evaluate its application in the photocatalytic degradation of petroleum wastewater
(crude oil) in contaminated water. The synthesized CaO nanoparticles were characterized using
the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DLS confirmed the formation of nanoparticles with a primary size of 86.80 nm, XRD determined the crystalline phase of the nanoparticles, TGA measured the thermal stability and decomposition temperature, SEM examined the morphology; the particle size, shape and surface texture while FTIR analysis identified functional groups from the onion peel extract, verifying its role in capping and stabilizing the CaO nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was assessed by studying the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) under sunlight, investigating the effects of the green-synthesized CaO nanoparticles catalyst on dose, pH, temperature, and initial pollutant concentration. Results demonstrated that the green- synthesized CaO nanoparticles were effective in degrading petroleum wastewater components, with optimal performance observed under specific conditions. This indicates that onion peel- mediated CaO nanoparticles present a sustainable, cost-effective, and utilizable photocatalyst for remediating petroleum wastewater contaminated water, offering a potential solution for environmental cleanup, particularly in areas subject to crude oil spillage across the globe.

This study investigated the protective effects of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind extract against cadmium-induced toxicity,on lipid profiles in Wistar rats. Twenty rats were divided into five groups: a control, a cadmium-only group, a cadmium with vitamin C group, and two groups receiving cadmium along with watermelon rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Results showed that cadmium exposure significantly suppressed weight gain and induced dyslipidemia, expressed by elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Treatment with the hydroethanolic watermelon rind extract, particularly at the 500 mg/kg dose, ameliorated these effects, resulting in a significant increase in percentage weight gain and a normalization of the lipid profile, comparable to the protective effects of vitamin C. The extract did not significantly reduce blood cadmium levels, suggesting its mechanism is likely cyto protection through antioxidant activity rather than metal chelation. The results show that watermelon rind phytowaste possesses bioactive compounds that can mitigate cadmium induced metabolic disturbances.

Clays have been utilized for centuries across various cultures for their therapeutic and medicinal properties, ranging from wound healing to antibacterial applications, owing to their adsorptive and chemical properties that inhibit pathogens and support tissue regeneration. This study was aimed at investigating the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of Okpepe clay, Uzala black clay and the combined effect of both clays on clinical isolates against some clinical isolates. Clay samples were processed into suspensions, physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal content and organic carbon. Uzala black clay had a higher pH (7.85), CEC (25.90 cmol/kg), and organic matter (2.80 %), while OKC was more acidic (pH 6.12) with higher EC and TDS. Antibacterial activity was tested against some clinical isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus spp. using agar well diffusion at concentrations of 100 %, 75 %, 50 % and 25 %. Uzala black clay demonstrated superior antibacterial activity with larger zones of inhibition and lower MIC values (6.25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus) compared to Okpekpe clay. Uzala black clay was bactericidal (MBC/MIC ≤ 2) against all isolates, while Okpekpe clay was often bacteriostatic. The clay combination (1:1) showed a remarkable synergistic effect, particularly at 75 % concentration, producing the largest zones of inhibition (42 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Uzala Black Clay is a potent, broad-spectrum bactericidal agent. The combination with Okpekpe Clay results in a significant synergistic enhancement of antibacterial efficacy. Its efficacy against clinical isolates, including those resistant to common antibiotics, highlights its potential as a source for developing new antimicrobial strategies against drug-resistant bacteria and its novel antimicrobial strategies.

Polyherbal teas, also known as herb-herb combinations, have been used in Chinese medicine practice, but scientific evidence of their therapeutic benefit is lacking. This study aims to examine the nutritional composition, characterization of some phytochemical constituents, and hepatoprotective activity of a poly-herbal tea formulation comprised of Moringa olifera, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lemon in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Proximate and mineral compositions were analyzed by the method described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The characterization of some phytochemical constituents was analyzed using HPLC. CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity was used for hepatoprotective activity. The proximate composition of poly-herbal formulated tea indicated carbohydrate (64.66 %), protein (19.25 %), fat (6.35 %), moisture content (6.12 %), ash content (0.24 %) and fibre (3.36%). Mineral compositions present include potassium (1356.0 mg/kg), calcium (821.3 mg/kg), magnesium (380.8 mg/kg), phosphorus (331.4 mg/kg), and iron (221.4 mg/kg).nt). Luteolin, Arbutin, Kaempferol, Apigenin and Quercetin were the most abundant phenolic compound, Quinine was the most abundant alkaloid, Diosgenin and Ergocalciferol were the most abundant steroid, Epigattotechin and Catechin were the most abundant tannins in polyherbal formulated tea. The body weight of animals given 10 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 5 mg/kg of the tea extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of tea extract + CCL4 and CCL4 without treatment significantly reduced compare to control (*p<0.05) in CCL4-induced nephrotoxicity. There was liver weight reduction in the animals that were given distilled water, 5 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 10mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (***p<0.001; *p<0.05). ALP, AST and ALT levels in the animals were reduced by 5 mg/kg of the formulated tea extract, 10 mg/kg of the formulated extract, 5 mg/kg of the extract + CCL4, 10 mg/kg of extract + CCL4 when compared with CCL4 without treatment (**p<0.01; *p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase and catalase values were increased, and the molondialdehyde level was reduced by the formulated tea extract when compared with CCL4 without treatment (****p<0.0001; ***p<0.001; **p<0.01; *p<0.05). Conclusively polyherbal tea formulation (Moringa olifera, garlic, ginger, turmeric and lemon) possesses hepatoprotective activity

This study evaluates the microbial contamination in raw meat across four various open
market in benin city. Inadequate meat handling and contamination lead to spoilage, waste and reduced shelf life, which negatively affect both producers and vendors. Meat vendors often do not have access to refrigeration, and meat is displayed in unsanitary conditions, making it susceptible to microbial growth. The lack of cold chain infrastructure, where meat products are transported and stored at proper temperatures, exacerbates the situation. In Addition, foodborne illness outbreaks can result in costly hospitalizations, legal liabilities, and loss of consumer trust in the meat supply chain (Wagener et al., 2020). In Benin City, improving microbial detection and control measures would not only enhance public health but also boost the economic sustainability of the local meat industry. As a result, meat often remains at temperatures favorable to bacterial growth for extended periods, leading to foodborne disease outbreaks (Bokhari et al., 2021). In Benin City, as in many Nigerian cities, there is a notable lack of proper monitoring and regulation of food safety standards, making it difficult to address these issues effectively. The slaughtering process often takes place in poorly regulated slaughterhouses where hygiene and sanitation practices are inadequate. According to a study by Akinmoladun et al., (2020), many slaughterhouses in Edo State lack proper waste disposal systems, hygienic facilities, and pest control measures, which create an environment conducive to microbial growth. Slaughtered meat is often exposed to contamination from unclean surfaces, utensils, and equipment. Moreover, there is often a lack of adequate training in food safety practices for slaughterhouse workers, resulting in improper handling and processing of meat (Ajayi et al., 2020). The contamination of meat is not limited to slaughterhouses. In Benin City’s open-air markets, where meat is sold directly to consumers, poor handling practices and improper storage conditions further contribute to microbial contamination. Meat vendors often do not have access to refrigeration, and meat is displayed in unsanitary conditions, making it susceptible to microbial growth. The lack of cold chain infrastructure, where meat products are transported and stored at proper temperatures, exacerbates the situation. As a result, meat often remains at temperatures favorable to bacterial growth for extended periods, leading to foodborne disease outbreaks (Bokhari et al., 2021). In Benin City, as in many Nigerian cities, there is a notable lack of proper monitoring and regulation of food safety standards, making it
difficult to address these issues effectively.

Polyherbal formulations are widely utilized across the globe and have gained increasing recognition due to their natural origin and minimal side effects. These combinations enhance therapeutic potency while reducing the required concentrations of individual herbal components. This research investigates the hematological effects of a polyherbal aqueous extract in phenyl hydrazine induced anemic Wistar rats. The plant materials were collected, processed, and formulated into the polyherbal aqueous extract. Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned into six groups: positive control, negative control, normal control, and three treatment groups receiving different doses of the extract. Variations in body and organ weights were assessed, and blood samples were analyzed for biochemical parameters. The results revealed significant differences in white blood cells, lymphocytes, mid-sized cells, granulocytes, platelets, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, and platelet large cell ratio compared to the control groups. These findings support the ethnomedicinal use of the selected plants as anti-anemic agents and highlight their potential for further preclinical and clinical evaluation. Overall, the study suggests that the polyherbal aqueous extract may serve as a promising alternative therapy for anaemia

The importance of home security is increasing, and systems are constantly being improved. Sophisticated firearms, security guards, alarms, and other security measures have all been improved. Software and electronic hardware have also been invented. One of the most crucial safety measures that are necessary for all social groupings is home security.
The system architecture entails the integration of sound and motion detectors with a central processing unit, enabling real-time monitoring and response to potential security breaches. Leveraging advanced sensor technologies, the system can accurately identify unauthorized intrusions and trigger appropriate alarm responses. Key components of the system include high-sensitivity sound sensors capable of detecting anomalies such as breaking glass or forced entry, coupled with motion detectors that utilize passive infrared technology to detect movement within designated areas. These sensors are interconnected with a central control unit programmed to analyze sensor inputs and initiate alarm protocols when suspicious activity is detected. The system incorporates user-friendly interfaces for configuration and monitoring, allowing users to customize alarm settings and receive real-time alerts via mobile devices or computer interfaces. Additionally, the system's scalability and flexibility enable integration with existing security infrastructure, making it suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial applications.