FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Background: Contact lenses are widely used for vision correction and cosmetic enhancement; however, improper use and poor hygiene practices can lead to complications Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and user behavior is crucial in reducing adverse effects and promoting eye health. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate contact lens-related complications among wearers at the University of Benin, assess their knowledge and hygiene practices, and examine the relationship between demographic factors and complication occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 140 contact lens wearers. Data collected included demographic information, duration of wear, knowledge and hygiene practices, and prevalence of complications. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to identify associations between variables. Results: The study revealed that 50% of respondents experienced dryness, while 42.9% reported red or irritated eyes. A significant proportion (71.4%) had never received formal education on proper contact lens care. Inferential analysis indicated a strong association between hygiene practices and the occurrence of complications, with behaviors such as sleeping with lenses and failing to wash hands before handling them identified as significant risk factors. Despite complications, 75% of wearers did not seek medical advice. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for increased education and awareness regarding proper contact lens hygiene. Eye care professionals, institutions, and public health agencies should implement targeted interventions to improve compliance with best practices and reduce complications. Regular eye check-ups and stricter regulations on contact lens distribution are recommended to enhance ocular health among wearers. KEYWORDS: Contact lenses, complications, hygiene practices, eye care, ocular health.

This study investigated the anticoagulant activity of a heparin-like compound extracted from crude palm oil and compared its biochemical effects with standard sodium heparin and EDTA using bovine blood samples stored for seven days. Fresh bovine blood (50 mL) was collected into pre￾dosed containers with each anticoagulant, centrifuged to obtain plasma, and analyzed on days 1, 3, and 7 respectively using standard spectrophotometric methods: Reitman-Frankel for transaminases, King-Armstrong for ALP, biuret for total protein, BCG for albumin, and Jendrassik￾Grof for bilirubin. The plant-derived isolate was obtained through alkaline saponification, ethanol precipitation, and chloroform bleaching, and its anticoagulant concentration was determined as 0.0006 mg/mL using Howell’s clotting time assay, showing potency comparable to heparin (0.002 mg/mL). Enzymatic analysis revealed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values ranged from 259.00 xiv ± 1.07 – 252.50 ± 0.50 IU/L for the isolate, 254.20 ± 0.67 – 249.40 ± 0.55 IU/L for heparin, and 234.00 ± 0.51 – 229.80 ± 0.45 IU/L for EDTA. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels ranged from 78.93 ± 0.04 – 76.00 ± 0.30 IU/L for the isolate, 95.92 ± 0.10 – 91.80 ± 0.55 IU/L for heparin, and 80.30 ± 0.24 – 75.60 ± 0.67 IU/L for EDTA. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ranged from 85.78 ± 0.20 – 92.20 ± 0.44 IU/L for the isolate, 70.40 ± 0.68 – 280.40 ± 0.34 IU/L for heparin, and 67.50 ± 0.51 – 250.30 ± 0.32 IU/L for EDTA. Total protein ranged from 5.90 ± 0.10 – 5.60 ± 0.10 g/dL for the isolate, 5.60 ± 0.10 – 5.40 ± 0.14 g/dL for heparin, and 5.10 ± 0.10 – 4.90 ± 0.12 g/dL for EDTA. Albumin levels were 5.89 ± 0.08 – 5.56 ± 0.11 g/dL for the isolate, 5.56 ± 0.11 – 5.40 ± 0.14 g/dL for heparin, and 5.40 ± 0.14 – 5.20 ± 0.10 g/dL for EDTA, while globulin ranged from 4.00 ± 0.10 – 3.80 ± 0.09 g/dL for the isolate, 3.80 ± 0.09 – 3.60 ± 0.12 g/dL for heparin, and 3.50 ± 0.08 – 3.20 ± 0.11 g/dL for EDTA. Conjugated bilirubin ranged from 1.392 ± 0.01 – 1.280 ± 0.02 mg/dL (isolate), 1.222 ± 0.02 – 1.100 ± 0.03 mg/dL (heparin), and 0.952 ± 0.01 – 0.900 ± 0.02 mg/dL (EDTA). The plant-derived heparin-like isolate showed effective anticoagulant activity, however, improvements in sample handling are required for better results

This study was designed to assess the presence and levels of selected heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microbes in bank note dust as well as their potential health risks. Two commercial banks (Location A, Ekehuan Road, located in Oredo Local Government Area, and Location B, Ugbowo, University of Benin Campus in Ovia North-East Local Government Area) were selected within Benin City metropolis and banknote dust from the counting rooms were collected. The samples were extracted using wet digestion for heavy metals concentrations and solvent (hexane) extraction for the PAHs. The extracted samples were cleaned up and the concentrations determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, AAS (Buck Scientific, VGP210) and gas chromatograph fitted with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) were used to determine heavy metals and PAHs respectively. Particle size determination was carried out by using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques based onBrownian movement principles. Results obtained revealed that the sizes of the dust particles were in the range of 36.57 nm and 48.48 nm which the nano range (0-100 nm). The results of heavy metal analysis revealed that the concentration of iron was the highest value for both locations A (2,055 ± 70.06 mg/kg) and B (1,934.53 ± 68.64 mg/kg). This result is below standard (10,000 mg/kg) set by WHO/USEPA. While cadmium was the lowest concentration of 1.82 ± 0.30 mg/kg and 0.95 ± 0.15 mg/kg for locations A and B respectively, exceeding the permissible limit of 0.8 mg/kg for cadmium as set by WHO. Copper for locations A and B were found to be 56.06 ± 2.53 mg/kg and 50.56 ± 4.42 mg/kg respectively exceeding limit of 36.0 mg/kg standard set by WHO. The concentrations of the heavy metals were found to follow the order: Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Cr ˃ Cu ˃ Ni ˃ Pb ˃ Cd for location A and Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Cu ˃ Cr ˃ Ni ˃ Pb ˃ Cd for location B with location A having higher concentration of Cr than location B. PAHs results revealed that all 16 EPA priority PAHs as specified by WHO/USEPA were detected in the banknote dust samples from the two locations. Location A had the highest PAHs summation of 4.278 µg/kg with pyrene alone contributing 3.084 µg/kg, while for location B, phenanthrene was the highest with a value of 1.167 µg/kg. The diagnostic ratio suggests multi-sources ranging from petrogenic to pyrogenic, traffic to non-traffic emissions, coal and wood combustion. Microbial analysis revealed significant loads of bacteria with 1.2 x 104 cfu and 1.1 x 104 cfu obtained from locations A and B respectively while the fungi load was found to be x 2.0 x 104 cfu and 1.1 x 104 cfu for locations A and B respectively. The bacteria identified was streptococcus spp while the fungi were aspergillus and penicillium. This study clearly indicated the potential health risk faced by bank staff especially those in the cash processing units due to long exposure to banknote dust and it is recommended that regulatory bodies monitor human exposure to these pollutants and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) be made available to staff working in these sections of the banks.

This study evaluates heavy metal contamination in soils and earthworms (Aporrectodea longa) across three distinct sites—a botanical garden, an automobile repair workshop, and an industrial zone—to assess site-specific pollution impacts. Soil and earthworm samples were analyzed for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe). Results revealed stark contrasts: the industrial zone exhibited the highest contamination, with Cd averaging 0.2700 mg/kg in soil (peaking at 0.5250 mg/kg) and 0.01500 mg/kg in earthworms, exceeding regulatory thresholds. The automobile workshop showed elevated Pb (0.02100 mg/kg in soil) linked to vehicular emissions, while the botanical garden had relatively lower metal levels (Zn: 1.370 mg/kg in soil), though earthworms still accumulated significant Fe (3.342 mg/kg) and Cd (0.01450 mg/kg). Earthworm bioaccumulation patterns mirrored soil contamination, with industrial earthworms retaining hazardous Pb (0.03150 mg/kg) and Cd, underscoring their role as bioindicators. The automobile workshop’s earthworms exhibited suppressed metal uptake (Zn: 0.3600 mg/kg vs. soil Zn: 1.661 mg/kg), suggesting behavioral avoidance or toxicity effects. Conversely, botanical garden earthworms demonstrated moderate bioaccumulation despite lower soil pollution, hinting at atmospheric deposition. These findings highlight the industrial zone as a critical hotspot, with Cd posing severe ecological and human health risks due to its carcinogenic potential. The study advocates for urgent remediation in industrial areas, stricter regulation of automotive waste, and expanded use of earthworms in pollution monitoring. By linking land use to metal bioavailability, this research provides actionable insights for urban planning and environmental policy.

A parasitological study was carried out between May and June 2025, to determine the helminth parasites of Agama agama at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp located at Uhogua Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The lizards were killed by exposure to chloroform, dissected and examined for helminth parasites. A total of 30 lizards were sampled and they were all infected, giving an overall prevalence of 100% and a mean intensity of 24.3 parasites/infected host. The parasites recovered included two nematode species, one species of cestode and a trematode. The nematodes were Strongyluris brevicaudata
and Thelandros scleratus, which were recovered from the large intestine/rectum and a few in the small intestine. The cestode species was Oochoristica sp. recovered from the small intestine and Mesocoelium monodi represented the trematodes, also from the small intestine. The most prevalent parasite was Strongyluris brevicaudata (76.67%), followed by Oochoristica sp. (43.33%) and the least prevalent, Mesocoelium monodi (10.0%). All the parasites recorded infected both male and female lizards, except Mesocoelium monodi, which was only reported in male Agama lizards. The difference in prevalence value amongst the helminth parasites reported was statistically significant (p < 0.05). More samples need to be examined from Uhogua in order to have more materials for proper identification of the Oochoristica sp., as well as to study other parasites that may be present in the study area but were not encountered due to the short duration of this study

Door handles are frequently touched surfaces that can serve as reservoirs for bacterial continuation contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, especially in hig-traffic environments such as universities. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from door handles sampled at different faculties within the University of Benin, assesing microbial load and antibiotic resistance patterns. Total bacterial counts(TBC) varied across faculties, with the Faculty of Physical Sciences(FPS) exhibiting the highest count(4.03 = 0.32 * 10 cfu/cm2 ) in 1 week, while the faculty of life sciences(FLC) recorded the highest count(4.50 = 0.25 *10cfu/cm2) in 2 weeks.

Extracts from different parts of the Newbouldia laevis plant (leaves, stem bark and roots bark), have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-malarial, antioxidant, nociceptive and anti inflammatory properties. Previous experiments carried out have shown that the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark have anti- inflammatory. But none of these studies have ascertained the IOP reducing effect of the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark of the Newbouldia laevis plant in the eyes which was studied in this investigative work. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extracts of Newbouldia laevis leaves, stems, and roots on physically induced corneo-conjunctival inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Thirty (30) rabbits were used for this study and these rabbits were grouped into six ranging from group A through to group F. Each of the six experimental groups was treated with different extract (leaf, stem, or root) of Newbouldia laevis, while the control group was treated with sterile water. From the study, it was found that all three extracts (leaf, stem, and root) were effective in reducing corneal inflammation and increased IOP, and showed significant differences compared to the control group. ANOVA analysis used on the study showed the statical significant values (p < 0.005 was taken to be statistically significant) of the various treatments for corneal inflammation, ranging from group A- C having p values of: 0.002, 0.001,0.265, respectively and induced IOP having p values of: 0.002, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively. During the course of this study, the leaf extract was found to be the most potent in the treatment of both the inflammation and induced IOP.

Hypertension and diabetes are associated with metabolic disturbances, including abnormal enzyme activity that can contribute to disease progression. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of Simarouba glauca extracts in modulating gamma- glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in hypertensive and diabetic rats. Both hydro- methanol and acetone fractions exhibited a significant ability to restore GGT activity in blood plasma and liver tissue, indicating their dual role in metabolic regulation and hepatoprotection. The acetone fraction demonstrated slightly superior effects, likely due to its distinct phytochemical composition, which may include a higher concentration of bioactive compounds. The ability of these extracts to normalize GGT activity suggests they possess antioxidant properties that contribute to enzyme stabilization and liver protection. These findings highlight the potential of Simarouba glauca as a natural therapeutic agent for managing metabolic dysfunctions associated with hypertension and diabetes. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise bioactive constituents responsible for these effects and their mechanisms of action

African salad popularly called “Abacha, "Abacha Ncha" or "Abacha and Ugba” contains lots of fresh raw vegetables and other ingredients which can be consumed without cooking. It is widely accessed for it is composed of food ingredients known to be rich in protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality of ready-to-eat African salads sold around the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus area, Edo state. Ready-to-eat African salad samples were purchased with and without "ugba" condiment from sellers in the Ugbowo campus area. All samples were serially diluted and inoculated on Nutrient agar, Eosin Methylene blue (EMB) agar and Simmons citrate agar. Bacterial counts from this study ranged from 5.15±0.50 to 9.75 ± 1.06 x 10
4.cfu/g. Pure cultures were obtained and seven different isolates were identified using cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The isolates include Bacillus sp., Salmonella so., Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Micrococcus sp. Bacillus sp. had the highest percentage frequency of 29.41% while Staphylococcus sp. had the lowest percentage frequency of 5.88%. The presence of Salmonella sp. in the ready to eat African salad samples indicates poor hygienic practice during the processing of these foods which can pose a great health risk to consumers.

Laundry wastewater, a category of greywater, contains various chemical constituents such as soap, suspended solids, oils, perfumes, and other pollutants at high concentrations. This study investigated the prevalence of virulence factors in bacterial isolates obtained from laundrywastewater to highlight their potential health risks. Samples were collected from residential and industrial laundry facilities, and the microbial isolates were analyzed using biochemical, molecular, and phenotypic methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts were recorded as 82.25 ± 4.7 CFU/mL × 10⁷ in Laundry Wastewater V and 94.50 ± 6.1 CFU/mL × 10⁷ in Laundry Wastewater W. Twenty-five bacterial isolates which include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. were characterized. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus [11/25 (44.0%)], followed by Escherichia coli [7/25 (28.0%)], Pseudomonas spp. [4/25 (16.0%)], and Staphylococcus spp. [3/25 (12.0%)]. Virulence
factors such as DNase activity, lipase activity, and hemolytic activity were assessed. DNase activity was observed in 40% of the isolates, lipase activity in 52%, and hemolytic activity in 92%. Among Staphylococcus aureus isolates, DNase activity was 45.5%, lipase activity was 54.5%, and hemolytic activity was 100%. Similarly, hemolytic activity was prevalent in all Escherichia coli isolates (100%) and 75% of Pseudomonas spp. isolates. This study highlights the high prevalence of virulence factors in bacterial isolates from laundry wastewater and underscores its potential as a reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms. Untreated discharge of such wastewater poses serious public health and environmental risks. Therefore, it emphasizes the need for enhanced wastewater treatment systems and further research on the ecological and epidemiological implications of virulence factors in laundry effluents.