, FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been investigated for their great antimicrobial effect against multiple pathogens. Bacterial pathogens used for this research were isolated from African black soap samples and characterized using the phenotypic method. The antibacterial activity of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against the isolates; Pseudomonas amygdali 35-1 CP084212, Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated in-vitro. Nanoparticle treatments were applied at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) and an antibacterial agent Ampicillin was used as a control. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. ZnONPs at all concentrations had insignificant inhibitory effect on Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus (p>0.05) compared to the control. However, ZnONPs (100%) demonstrated significantly higher inhibitory activity on Pseudomonas amygdali 35-1 CP084212 (p<0.05) compared to the control. The zones of inhibition ranged from 3.33 ± 0.54 to 18.00 ± 0.94 mm while the zones of inhibition for the control were 6.33 ± 1.09 mm (Pseudomonas amygdali 35-1 CP084212), 18.67 ± 1.09 mm (Micrococcus sp.) and 16.00 ± 4.10 (Staphylococcus aureus). The findings obtained from this investigation demonstrated the antimicrobial efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles against the selected bacterial isolates.

Studies and advancements in neuroscience have been sparked by the prevalence of CNS diseases. Consequently, variety of therapies, medications and treatments with the goal of improving the lives of those affected have been created with an emphasis on herbal medicine. Major research has been done on different parts of Icacina trichantha such as the tubers, stems and leaf. It is traditionally used to treat hypertension, asthma, fever and neurological disorders. Pharmacological studies on the medicinal potential of the plant tuber, leaf and stem have been conducted, however there has been little research done on the leaves of the plant regarding CNS activity. Fresh leaves of Icacina trichantha were harvested, cleaned, dried and extracted over the course of 72 hours by cold maceration using (1:1) distilled water and methanol. Pentylenetetrazole induced seizure, Maximum electroshock induced Seizure, Rota-rod test and static- rod test was carried out in mice using graded doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally of the plant extract. Results from the experiment revealed that mice administered with 200 mg/kg of the plant extract was protected from pentylyenetetrazole induced seizure. While no protection in maximal electro-shock induced seizure was observed, had no effect on the animal models
used to evaluate skeletal muscle relaxation across all groups treated with the plant extract as compared to the control. This indicates that the plant possesses anti-convulsant activity but not effective on skeletal muscle relaxation.

In our everyday life as humans, we carry out activities whereby we rely majorly on our vision. Vision is therefore important for an individual to have a good quality of life. This study was carried out to determine the effects of visual impairment (VI) on The quality of life of adult patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), also the quality of life in different
demographic variables was compared. It is a quantitative observational cross-sectional study that carried out on adult male and female patients above 18 years of age with visual acuity (VA) of less than 6 out of 12. The 150 sample size excluded subjects with mental illness. Demographics and quality of life data were collected through low vision quality-of-life questionnaire at UBTH from August to September 2023. From the 150 visually impaired patients that participated in this study, 85 males participated as compared to 65 females with a mean Age of 55.77 ± 12.73 for males and 57.33 ± 11.24 for females. 129(86%) patients were married while 21(14%) were unmarred. Eighteen 18% of the participants were diabetic, Eight 8% were hypertensive. Only three 3% of the participants were both diabetic and hypertensive. : Patients that were older than 60 years, uneducated, unmarried, and women were most likely to have a lower quality of life. In cases where chronic diseases are associated with higher rates of visual complications and poor quality of life the importance of eye examinations and effective rehabilitation services cannot be overemphasized.

Soil contamination by heavy metals especially chromium (vi) oxide is a major environmental concern due to its toxicity and persistence inagricultural soils. This study investigated the effect of chromium (VI) oxide on the growth and anatomy of Sorghum bicolor to assess its tolerance and sensitivity. Sorghum seeds were subjected to five concentrations of chromium (VI) oxide (0, 30, 50, 70, and 100 ppm) in soil, under a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates per treatment. Growth parameters, including germination percentage, plant height, stem girth and number of leaves, were studied and recorded up to six weeks after planting (WAP). Anatomical analyses of root and stem transverse sections were performed to assess internal tissue responses. Results showed a concentration specific decline in all growth parameters, with the control plants exhibiting the highest mean values for germination percentage (20.00%), plant height (59.50cm) and stem girth (0.84cm) and the least values for germination percentage (10.75%), plant height (36.00cm) and stem girth (0.76) recorded for plants grown in 100 ppm Cr6+ treatment. Vegetative growth parameters decreased with increasing chromium concentration, indicating growth suppression. Anatomical observations revealed darkening of the epiblema and loss of cortical cells in the root of plants as well as deposition of crystal-like substance is observed in the cortex of the stem of plants exposed to higher chromium levels. These alterations indicate that chromium induces oxidative stress and structural injury, disrupting normal cell function and secondary growth. The findings support that chromium (VI) exerts significant inhibitory effects on both morphological and anatomical development of Pennisetum glaucum, emphasizing the detrimental impact of chromium contamination on crop productivity.

Termite mounds are good examples of a well regulated ecosystem structure. These social insects are ecosystem engineers that are capable of building mounds of various sizes. Macrotermes mounds are equipped with several openings at various positions to mitigate thermoregulation and ventilation. One possible means of understanding the thermoregulatory pattern and ventilation strategies within a Macrotermes mound is to assess the relationships between its respiratory structures and geometry. Here, correlation test were done to test the level of significant relationships between the mound geometry and ventilatory structures. Results showed that the ventilatory structures above the base of Macrotermes mound is significantly (p<0.05) related to Its overall size (height, column, width) with correlation coefficient of 0.7323142, 0.668158 and 0.6531674 but had no relationship with the depth and perimeter of a Macrotermes mound. However, the ventilatory structure at the basal portion was significantly related to the depth with correlation coefficient of 0.7428268 and not necessarily the size of a mound. The temperature of a mound surrounding is also related to the internal temperature R=0.7074602, p=0.0004, R2=0.5005), and also deterministic factor in assessing the temperature flow within a Macrotermes mound. This ventilatory structures coupled with temperature are typical strategies used by termites to create a well thermoregulated and ventilated structures. The implications of these findings are that Macrotermes bellicossus mounds can be employed by humans in the construction of buildings, such that a time we come where there will be little or no need for
artificial ventilators like Air conditioners.

This study was conducted to investigate the acute toxicity, blood glucose concentration and the anti-diabetic effect of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera in streptozotocin- induced diabetes mellitus on Liver integrity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute toxicity was carried out in two phases using different doses of Moringa oleifera leaves extract. There was no mortality recorded in both phases. A total of twenty-five Sprague-dawley rats divided into five groups of five animals each were used for the experiment. All animals were allowed unlimited access to feed and water. Group 1 served as control and receieved normal feed and water. Animals in groups 2,3,4 & 5 were induced with diabetes mellitus using 55mg/kg body weight streptozotocin. Animals in group 2 were treated with standard drug glibenclamide (5mg/kg bwt) once daily for 21 days. In addition, animals in groups 3,4 &5 were treated with graded doses of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (100mg/kg bwt, 200mg/kg bwt and 300mg/kg bwt) respectively. Blood glucose level was checked weekly for three weeks. On day 22, all the animals were sacrificed and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. Results obtained showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in ALT and MDA level. Also there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in AST in 250mg/kg bwt and 300mg/kg bwt. There was a significant increase in AST in groups treated with 100mg/kg bwt and 200mg/kg bwt this maybe as a result of the low doses of the Moringa oleifera leaves extract used in their treatment. 300mg/kg bwt maybe the safest and best dose to use for medicinal purposes. All the animals treated with methanol extract of Moringa oleifera showed a significant (P <0.05) decrease in blood glucose concentration. The animals treated with glibenclamide maintained a significant high blood glucose concentration, there was no reduction in blood glucose concentration in this group when compared with control group after treatment for 21 days. Methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves has an anti-diabetic effect and also liver protective effect because of the antioxidant and phytochemical compounds it
contains.

This study evaluated the operational and health risk factors associated with municipal solid waste scavenging in two privately-operated municipal Solid waste dumpsites in Benin City, Edo State. A well- structured questionnaire was administered to 100 randomly selected scavengers; the questionnaire covered demographics, personal details, and information on the types and frequencies of health hazards encountered by waste scavengers, providing insights into the challenges they face. The findings revealed significant health risks including injuries, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal illnesses, highlighting the need for interventions to improve the safety and well-being of the scavenging operations. Furthermore, they also face several operational risks due largely to the lack of use of personal protection equipment, resulting in cuts, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal illnesses, with a notable proportion experiencing frequent headaches and a high prevalence of malaria. We recommend that the operators of the dumpsites should be regulated by the Edo State Waste Management Board, with strict guidelines and punitive measures put in place for lack of compliance. On the part of the dumpsite operators, they should provide all necessary personal protection equipment and enforce their use as a standard operating procedure. Furthermore, first aid equipment for staff, drinking water and bathrooms with soap and water for their sanitation should be provided.

This study evaluated the effect of N-hexane leaf extract of bi-herbal formulation of Carica papaya and Vernonia Amygdalina on the reproductive system of male reproductive system. A total of 25 Wistar rats were used in total for the conduction of the experiment. The animal was distributed into six groups comprising of five rats and fed with grower feed for a period of 28 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and subjected to laparotomy after which the testes, prostate, seminal vesicles and right epididymis were isolated, blood and sperm samples were also collected for hormonal assay, sperm analysis and histopathology analysis. The study revealed no mortality, loss of cognitive/ loss of agility or any physical morphology associated with toxicity in any of the treatment group. A significant reduction in weight index was recorded in the extract treated groups. Previous studies done on this plant showed Vernonia amygdalina and Carica papaya exhibiting weight loss properties individually, hence, the reduction can be attributed to the rich mileu of phytochemicals in both plants. Another mechanism suggested for the weight loss, is the interference of pancreatic lipase by the extract. This causes inhibiting or delay in the digestion and absorption which consequently result in a reduction in body weight. However, there was no significant difference in the organ weight and relative organ weight of the extract when compared to that of the control group. Total sperm count was significantly lowered in all treatment groups. Decrease in the progressive motility and normal cell counts were respectively recorded. The result of the study shows that the bi-herbal
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One of the world’s most important vegetable plants is the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). It can be consumed raw, cooked, or utilized to make items with tomato as the base. Because lycopene is one of the main sources of carotenoids, it has also been proven to be helpful in studies involving these pigments. In order to identify the tomato genotype that is most likely to be used in tomato breeding, this research was done to characterize three inbreed lines of tomato genotypes from Igbodo. The identification of genetic variability that exists within crop germplasms depends on agronomic evaluation of crop genotypes. In order to do this, the fruits of 3 tomato genotypes were assessed, using a UV spectrophotometer, the lycopene content was calculated. Fruit weight ranged from 6.222±0.660 to 13.96±1.661. RD-igb had the highest fruit weight while PY-igb had the lowest fruit weight. The lycopene content was evaluated for three genotypes; RD-igb, HD-igb and PY-igb. Genotype 2 recorded the highest fruit lycopene content with a value of 1.336±0.321 to 1.715±0.253 while genotype 1 recorded the lowest fruit lycopene content. Some attributes had a significant coefficient of variance, whilst others showed little genotype-to-genotype variation. While some genotypes, such as genotype 1, had low fruit lycopene values, genotype 2 had high fruit lycopene content. When choosing tomato plants with desirable qualities during tomato breeding, these tomato unique diversities can be used as a guide.

Over population has become a problem worldwide thus the need for drugs with fewer sideeffects 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 14days 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.