FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

The fungus Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that belongs to the family Ganodermataceae and mainly grows in the tropics. The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on the mycelial growth of the fungus Ganoderma lucidum was investigated, and the best carbon and nitrogen sources were determined. Using standard potato dextrose agar (PDA) media as the growth medium, the mycelial growth of Ganoderma lucidum was observed. Subsequently, the sugar from PDA was then replaced with the selected nitrogen and carbon sources and used alternatively for each source inoculated with the fungus Ganoderma lucidum. The daily mycelial growth of each source was recorded. After 5 days of inoculation, the mycelial cells fully colonised the petri dishes. 10 days after inoculation, the fungus mycelial was harvested, dried, and the biomass recorded. Six selected carbon ources, which include glucose, lactose, starch, maltose, cellulose, and sucrose, were employed as nutrient supplements for the fungus Ganoderma lucidum's growth. All the sources promoted its growth, but maltose (66.88±1.44mm) and lactose 88±4.71mm) were most suitable for Ganoderma lucidum growth. Sucrose (55.0±1.87mm), and cellulose (37.88±1.44mm), was east suitable for Ganoderma lucidum's growth due to their growth rates. The most suitable carbon source for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum was sucrose (0.29±0.03g) and lactose (0.26±0.04g), while the least suitable was cellulose 5±0.02g) and glucose (0.15 ±0.06g). Six selected nitrogen sources were also employed as supplements in this study. They include ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, yeast, and urea. All nitrogen sources promoted the fungus' growth with the exception of urea, which showed no growth. Among the selected nitrogen sources used, yeast (69.25 ± 2.33mm) and ammonium sulphate (61.25±3.01mm) were most suitable for Ganoderma lucidum growth. The least suitable were ammonium nitrate (36.35± 0.96mm), sodium nitrate (47.13±0.48mm), and urea, which promoted no growth. The most suitable nitrogen sources for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum were yeast (0.52± 0.03g) and sodium nitrate (0.83±0.16g)
and the least suitable was ammonium sulphate (0.19 ±0.09g) and ammonium nitrate (0.16±0.02g). The morphological characteristics and density pattern of the mycelial of Ganoderma lucidum were also observed in the course of the study. Nutritional factors have been noted to be responsible for the growth and development of fungi. From this study, it is concluded that the most suitable carbon source for the growth of Ganoderma lucidum is maltose and lactose, while the most suitable carbon source for the biomass production of Ganoderma lucidum is sucrose and lactose.

The device described in this study can be used in hospitals to verify prescriptions, maintain patient data, and protect patient privacy. In this study, patient databases are tracked using RFID tags and a web server. This method can prevent prescription drug abuse in addition to capturing precise and current information on patients' prescriptions. Real-time patient data can assist clinicians in reducing medication errors and provide the best care possible. In this paper, a medical mechanism that uses the modified grouping proof process is suggested in order to improve medication safety for inpatients. The medical staff could verify the authenticity and integrity of a group of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are embedded on inpatient bracelets and drug containers by using the grouping proof protocol. RFID authentication is the ideal option for automated patient medication systems since it requires mutual authentication between the medication server and the tag.

Since antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health concern, alternative therapeutic sources derived from medicinal plants are required. In this study, cold and hot water extracts of Polyalthialongifolia leaves were examined for their phytochemical composition and antibacterial qualities. Extracts were made with aqueous solvents and tested using the agar well diffusion method against specific bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The antimicrobial potency was measured using the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of compounds linked to antimicrobial and therapeutic effects, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids. In contrast to the cold extract, the hot water extract demonstrated better antibacterial activity, suggesting that higher extraction temperatures promote the release of bioactive compounds. The research highlights Polyalthialongifolia's potential as a source of plant-based antimicrobial agents appropriate for upcoming pharmaceutical development and validates its ethnomedical significance.

This study investigates the renoprotective potential of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of Garcinia kola (GL) stem bark in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder often associated with severe complications, including diabetic nephropathy, which remains a leading cause of kidney failure. The search for plant-based therapeutic agents with minimal side effects has intensified, particularly in traditional medicinal systems where Garcinia kola is widely utilized. In this experiment, diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ), after which the animals were treated with varying doses of the DCM fraction of GL stem bark. Biochemical parameters including serum creatinine, urea, electrolyte levels, and blood glucose were evaluated, alongside histopathological examination of kidney tissues. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were also assessed to determine the mechanism of action. The results demonstrated that treatment with the DCM fraction significantly reduced elevated blood glucose levels and improved renal function indices compared to untreated diabetic controls. There was also a marked decrease in oxidative stress markers, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant defense systems. Histological findings revealed preservation of kidney architecture in treated groups, indicating protection against STZ-induced renal damage. In conclusion, the DCM fraction of Garcinia kola stem bark exhibits significant renoprotective effects in diabetic Wistar rats, likely mediated through its antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. These findings suggest its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in the management of diabetic nephropathy, warranting further investigation into its active constituents and clinical applicability.

Cucumis sativus (cucumber) is known to contain a variety of bioactive substances and phytochemicals. Some of these chemical elements have been connected to the plant's traditional therapeutic uses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate, phytochemical and phenolic contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Cucumis sativus. The Proximate analysis results showed that the medicinal plant contained more Nitrogen-Free Substances (NFS) and protein, but low level of fibre (p < 0.05), phytochemical analysis showed that alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and other polyphenols were present in the plant, Phenols and saponins were present in high concentrations, while glycosides concentrations were low. The ethanol extract had significantly higher total phenol, but total flavonoid, flavonol and proanthocyanidin contents were significantly higher in the aqueous extract than in the ethanol extract (p < 0.05). The results obtained in this study indicate that C. sativus is a reservoir of potentially useful chemical compounds which may serve as drugs and provide newer leads and clues for modern drug design. C. sativus is a good source of phenolic compounds and could be used as a natural constituent of food and
medicines

This comparative study investigated the effects of preservative and preservative-free artificial tears on tear stability among dry eye patients. The participants completed the OSDI questionnaire to determine their subjective observations. A randomized controlled trial was used to group the participants. Tear film stability was assessed using fluorescein invasive tear break-up time (FTBUT), Schirmer’s test was carried out to determine the tear flow rate, the results were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the mean values for TBUT for Hypromellose were 6.25 ± 0.33 before and 6.75 ± 0.31seconds after, for Refresh was 6.40 ± 0.40 before and 7.55 ± 0.42 seconds after. Also, the mean values for TFR for Hypromellose were 8.36 ± 0.50 before and 8.61 ± 0.50 seconds after, for refresh was 9.69 ± 0.54 before and 10.05 ± 0.55 after seconds. The results obtained were analyzed using the SSPS 22.0. T-test and one- way ANOVA were used to compare the mean FTBUT and TFR values between both groups, the p values were 0.64 and 0.68 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the tear film stability and tear flow rate between both groups after four weeks (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that there was no notable difference between preservative artificial tears and preservative-free artificial tears on tear film stability and tear flow rate. It is recommended that clinicians can confidently recommend both preservative and preservative-free artificial tears as effective management options for dry eye. KEYWORDS: Dry eye syndrome, Artificial tears, Preservative, TBUT

This study examines how environmental pollutants affect aquatic animals' genetic integrity, with a focus on the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). This study was undertaken is to evaluate DNA damage in C. gariepinus samples obtained from the upstream of Ikpoba River in Benin City, a freshwater body impacted by human activities notably, industrial effluent discharge from a brewery into the river. The piscine micronucleus assay was employed for identifying and measuring breaks in DNA strands in ten (10) samples of C. gariepinus obtained from several points along the river because of its ecological and economic importance as well
as its high sensitivity to chemical stressors, serving as an ecotoxicological indicator species that offers important information about the level of pollution in aquatic habitats. Results showed that fish from the study site had significantly more DNA damage than control groups from unpolluted habitats, indicating that the Ikpoba River's contaminants cause genotoxic stress. It was revealed that heavy metals were among the possible sources of pollution that the study found to be important contributors to the observed genetic damage. Furthermore, the degree of exposure and pollutant concentration were associated with differences in DNA
damage levels among the fish studied. The findings highlight how urgently the Ikpoba River and other comparable water bodies need to be regularly monitored and cleaned up. Such genetic harm has consequences for population health and ecological sustainability in addition to individual creatures, underscoring the wider environmental and socioeconomic effects of water pollution. By laying the groundwork for upcoming ecotoxicological research and conservation tactics, this study is an essential step in comprehending and reducing genotoxic dangers in
aquatic systems.

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype typhi and is prevalent in numerous low- and middle-income countries around the world, including Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine typhoid prevalence among individuals in Orobosa Medical Centre and Graceville Medical Centre in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 232 individuals took part in the study, with 116 for each medical centre. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher and blood tests were used to determine whether participants were positive or negative for typhoid. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2016. From the results, participants were predominantly female and aged between 21 and 30 years. Most participants obtained drinking water from table water sources (90.52 % and 75.86 %, respectively). Headaches and fatigue were identified by participants as the most common symptoms of typhoid fever. The most common risk factors according to participants were proximity to insects feeding on faecal matter and consumption of raw fruits and vegetables. Typhoid prevalence in the study was 19.83% and 17.24% for Orobosa Medical Centre and Graceville Medical Centre, respectively. To drastically reduce the prevalence of typhoid fever, the following can be applied; public health education, community-based interventions and strengthening of surveillance systems.

6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q) is a transformation product of the tyre additive 6PPD. It enters aquatic systems through stormwater runoff and poses an emerging toxicological concern. This study examined the acute and sub-lethal effects of 6PPD-Q on Clarias gariepinus, a freshwater catfish commonly used in ecotoxicological studies. The objective was to determine the sensitivity of Clarias gariepinus to 6PPD-Q and to assess changes in haematological parameters as indicators of physiological stress. Juvenile Clarias gariepinus were exposed under laboratory conditions to a range of 6PPD-Q concentrations for 96 hours to evaluate acute toxicity, followed by sub-lethal exposure for haematological analysis. No mortality was recorded during the acute phase, indicating that the compound did not reach a lethal threshold within the tested concentration range. Sub-lethal exposure produced measurable haematological alterations. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume, suggesting anaemia and impaired oxygen transport. White blood cell counts increased, indicating immune response activation. These findings demonstrate that 6PPD-Q affects fish health at non-lethal levels, even when acute mortality is absent. This study highlights the ecological risk posed by 6PPD-Q in aquatic environments. Its persistence and sub-lethal toxicity underscore the need for environmental monitoring and regulation of tire-derived pollutants. Further research should address long-term exposure, tissue accumulation, and population-level impacts in freshwater ecosystems.

Wastewater generated from restaurants often contains a mixture of organic matter and microbial contaminants that may pose environmental and public health risks. This research focuses on the detection and isolation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from wastewater collected from selected restaurants within the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. For this study, wastewater samples were obtained from three restaurants: Helena’s Kitchen, Home and Away, and Buka— during peak operation hours. The samples were collected aseptically and analysed using standard microbiological methods. The pour plate technique was employed for total heterotrophic bacterial counts, while selective media such as Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar were used for the isolation of E. coli. Biochemical tests including indole, methyl red, citrate, urease, and triple sugar iron (TSI) were used to confirm the isolates. The results showed high microbial loads across all samples, with E. coli being consistently present, indicating faecal contamination of the wastewater. The identification of other bacterial species suggest contamination from multiple sources such as food residues, human handling, and the environment. The findings reveal poor wastewater management and hygiene practices in the studied restaurants. In conclusion, the consistent presence of E. coli in restaurant wastewater signifies potential health and environmental hazards within the University of Benin. It is therefore recommended that wastewater from restaurants be regularly monitored, and that adequate sanitation infrastructure and treatment systems be put in place to prevent contamination and safeguard public health.