SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

The increasing prevalence of microbial contamination in objects such as Point-of-Sale (POS) machines poses significant public health risks, particularly in high traffic areas such as markets, schools, where hygiene practices may be inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial and fungal loads on POS machines used by traders across specific markets in Benin City, Edo State to identify the types of microorganisms present, assess their prevalence, and propose measures for reducing contamination. A total of 150 POS machines were sampled within the study area using swab sticks moistened with sterile saline. These swabs of POS surfaces were collected from five different markets: Oba market, New Benin market, Uselu market, Oliha market and Ikpoba hill market. The markets covered three Local Government Area. Microbial
analyses were performed using standard techniques consisting of macroscopy, microscropy, identification and susceptibility testing of isolates present, and type of microbial contamination. The results revealed that a large percentage of the samples (75.3%) showed bacterial contamination where Klebsiella spp. (17.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.3%) were found to be predominant, while fungal contamination was 57.3% of the samples collected, with Candida spp. being the most prevalent with the percentage (38.7%). The study highlighted significant variations in contamination rates across different markets and, indicating that certain markets, such as Ikpoba-hill market, had higher levels of bacterial contamination. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved hygiene practices among traders and regulatory oversight to ensure reduced contamination on these devices thereby reducing the spread of diseases. In conclusion, this research provides critical insights into the microbial quality of POS machines in Benin City and emphasizes the importance of implementing effective and good hygienic practices to protect the health of users.

The study investigated the chemical composition of the water-soluble fraction derived from Lonchocarpus cyanescens leaves, a West African medicinal plant traditionally used for ailments like arthritis and ulcers. After fresh leaves were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus and the water fraction was isolated and derivatized, it was analyzed by GC-MS. Initial phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of key secondary metabolites like flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. GC-MS profiling of the water fraction identified 12 major compounds, comprising over 95% of the total composition. The most predominant constituents were hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid, 18.5%), 9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid, 15.2%), phytol (12.8%), and squalene (10.4%). These identified compounds, which also included beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol, are recognized for their antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, suggesting a chemical basis for the plant's ethnomedicinal applications. The results underscore the potential of the water fraction as a source of bioactive compounds and recommend further bioactivity assays to confirm therapeutic efficacy

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, remains a significant
public health concern, particularly among mobile occupational groups.This study assessed the
seroprevalence and risk factors associated with syphilis among intra-city transporters in Benin
Metropolis. A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted, enrolling 150 participants through
convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. About 4ml
of venous blood samples were collected from each participant using sterile aseptic techniques into
plain containers and centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain serum.The serum obtained
were screened serologically for syphilis antibodies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.
An overall Prevalence of 32.0% syphilis was obtained.Age, education, marital status and location
of transporters had no significant association with prevalence of syphilis
(P=0.344),(P=0.884),(P=0.943)and(P=0.217).Behavioral factors such as non condom use,
multiple sexual Partners and self reported symptoms (such as genital sore, painful urination) were
strongest predictors of Syphilis infection in the study population (P=0.000 respectively). More
than half (53.3%) of respondents had never heard of syphilis, and only a few had received health
education.Knowledge was not significantly associated with Syphilis infection having Prevalence
greater than 0.05.The high rate of asymptomatic cases further underscores the hidden burden of
syphilis in this group. The study concludes that intra-city transporters in Benin metropolis are a
high-risk population for syphilis transmission, driven primarily by behavioural and occupational
factors. It recommends targeted health education campaigns, routine and affordable screening at
motor parks, and collaborative interventions between government and transport unions to promote
safer sexual practices.

Musa paradisiaca (plantain) is widely used in traditional medicine and consumed as food, yet its renal safety profile remains poorly characterized. This study evaluated the dose dependent
effects of its aqueous extract on kidney function and oxidative stress in adult Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups (A–E) and administered control, 100, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg of Musa paradisiaca extract orally for 16 days. Serumurea, creatinine, antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GPx)—and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed. Kidney weights, reno-somatic index(RSI), and histological features were evaluated. Serum urea increased significantly (p < 0.05) inratsreceiving 750 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg extract compared with control. Antioxidant enzymeactivities (SOD, CAT, and GPx) declined notably at higher doses, whereas MDA levels hadnosignificantly, indicating absence of enhanced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. TheRSIwas elevated in the 1000 mg/kg group, although body weights were unaffected. Histological
sections showed preserved renal architecture across groups, suggesting functional rather than structural injury at higher doses. In conclusion the aqueous extract of Musa paradisiacaislargely safe at low to moderate doses but elicits biochemical signs of nephrotoxicity at higher concentrations. The findings justify the need for dosage regulation and caution in prolonged or high dose use of plantain based remedies

Tetrapleura tetraptera¸ commonly known as Aidan fruit, is a tropical plant indigenous to Western and Central Africa. Botanically, it belongs to the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family and is renowned for its distinctive four-winged fruit pods, which inspired its name tetraptera. This plant has been a prominent part of West African traditional medicine and culinary practices for generations. Several reports have documented that the various parts of the plant have various medicinal properties and it
also possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and antioxidant properties. This study examines The Effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera on the Livers of adult Wistar Rats. This work involved the use of an experimental study design, consisting of twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats weighing 160-212g which were acclimatized for two (2) weeks, separated into four (4) groups; A, B, C and D with each group having six (6) Wistar rats of randomized patterns for administration and were all weighed prior to it. In Group A (control group), the rats were administered with 1ml distilled water, Group B were administered with 200mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (low dose), Group C were administered with 400mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (intermediate dose), Group D were administered with 800mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (high dose). After administration (twenty-eight (28) days), the animals were sacrificed, organs harvested and processed for assays according to established methods. Data from the animals were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad prism version 8.1 statistical package and relevant statistical values were obtained. One-way analysis of variance
(ANOVA) was carried out and data were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Least significant difference (LSD) post-hoc test was used. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The statistical values obtained were converted into graphical representation in form of bar charts. Histologically, Group A, the control group, showed liver tissue with normal architecture comprising of hepatocytes, sinusoids, bile ducts and the portal veins

Ionizing radiation is known to trigger a wide range of genetic and epigenetic modifications that disrupt cellular equilibrium and activate stress response pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the transcriptional behavior of two iron metabolism–associated genes, Transferrin 1 (TSF1) and Transferrin 2 (TSF2), in Drosophila melanogaster subjected to
X-ray and low-dose CT room radiation. These transferrin genes are central to maintaining iron balance and epithelial stability, making them valuable candidates for assessing molecular alterations induced by radiation exposure. Adult flies were exposed to radiation for 7 and 14 days, after which total RNA was extracted and analyzed using semi- quantitative RT-PCR, with GAPDH serving as an internal control for normalization. The results revealed a consistent and significant elevation in TSF1 expression under both radiation types. For instance, expression levels increased from control values of 67.77 ± 1.84 to 80.14 ± 1.00 at day 7 and further to 85.97 ± 1.43 by day 14 under X-ray exposure. A similar trend was observed in CT room–exposed flies, where expression rose to 80.20 ± 0.72 at day 7 and 86.28 ± 1.85 at day 14. This persistent upregulation suggests that TSF1 plays a protective role by enhancing iron sequestration and transport, thereby reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and limiting oxidative injury. In contrast, TSF2 demonstrated a biphasic expression profile. An initial increase was recorded at 7 days post-exposure (72.23 ± 2.39 following X-rays), but expression declined sharply at 14 days, particularly in CT-exposed flies (57.76 ± 1.94) relative to control levels (61.96 ± 1.14). In Conclusion, This pattern indicates an early, short-lived adaptive response followed by suppression, possibly reflecting tissue vulnerability and compromised epithelial barrier function under chronic radiation stress.

Reproductive health disorders are increasingly prevalent due to environmental and dietary factors, necessitating investigation into natural therapeutic alternatives. This study aimed to examine the histopathological effects of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) leaf extract on the reproductive organs of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180-200g were divided into four groups: Group A (control, n=2) received pellets and distilled water; Groups B, C, and D (n=4 each) were administered 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg of Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract respectively via oral gavage for one month. After treatment, animals were euthanized, blood samples collected for hormonal analysis using ELISA kits, and reproductive organs harvested for histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results revealed normal ovarian histomorphology across all groups, with follicles containing oocytes surrounded by theca and granulosa cells at different maturation stages. Most testicular sections showed normal seminiferous tubules with Sertoli cells and sperm cells at various maturation stages. However, Group C1 exhibited testicular atrophy characterized by shrunken seminiferous tubules with thickened basement membranes and reduced germ cell populations. Significant hormonal changes were observed in Group B, showing significant differences in both testosterone and progesterone levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in organ weights or full blood count parameters across all groups. The findings suggest that Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract exhibits dose-dependent effects on reproductive tissues, with moderate doses potentially causing testicular atrophy and hormonal alterations. While the extract demonstrated minimal effects at low and high doses, the intermediate dose showed adverse effects, highlighting the importance of dosage optimization in herbal medicine applications for reproductive health

In an effort to enhance sexual performance, some individuals resort to using aphrodisiac substances such as sildenafil (Viagra). This study was conducted to assess the effects of sildenafil on the heart and testicular tissues of adult albino rats. A total of 18 male albino rats, each weighing between 200g and 220g, were obtained from the animal house at Anatomy Department. The rats were randomly assigned into three groups (A, B, and C), with six rats per group. Group A served as the control and received only standard feed and water. Group B rats were administered sildenafil orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in saline, daily for four consecutive weeks. Group C rats received a higher dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for the same duration, followed by an additional four-week withdrawal period without treatment. Body weights were recorded at the beginning of the experiment (week 0) and on the final day prior to sacrifice. At the end of the experimental period, all animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were processed for histological analysis. Serial tissue sections were cut at 5 µm thickness using a microtome and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Selected tissue sections were documented through photomicrography. Results indicated that the 10 mg/kg dose of sildenafil led to a notable increase in monocyte and granulocyte counts, while red blood cell levels decreased across the treated groups. Weight measurements revealed only minor differences between the control and sildenafil-treated groups after the four-week period. Histological examination of testicular tissues from the 10 mg/kg group showed mild necrosis in cardiac muscle fibers, seminiferous tubules, and interstitial tissues. Additional findings included vascular congestion, hypertrophy of Leydig cells, and degeneration of spermatogonial cells. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms triggered by prolonged exposure to PDE5 inhibitors. Such research may guide the safer and more effective therapeutic use of aphrodisiacs, particularly when administered at lower doses and for shorter durations.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death among women worldwide. The most effective means of decreasing mortality rate due to breast cancer is by early detection through breast self-examination. The main purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate law students of The University of Benin. A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire based study was used and a convenience sampling technique was used to select two hundred and thirty seven female law students in The University of Benin. The data gathering tool was a modified and adapted questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the data analysis. Simple frequency and the percentage was used to describe the data, while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The analysis was performed using the IBM Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 for windows. Result shows that It showed that 88(37.1%) had good knowledge of breast self-examination, 79(33.3%) poor knowledgeand70(29.5%) had fair knowledge. It showed that 154(65.0%) of the respondents had negative attitude toward breast self-examination while 83(35.0%) had positive attitude BSE. It showed that 94(39.7%) had poor level of practice, 115(48.5%) had fair practice level, while 28(11.8%)had good level of practice. The result showed that majority of respondents have a good knowledge of breast self-examination, negative attitude towards breast self-examination and a fair practice of breast self-examination. The study therefore recommends that there is the need to develop and implement targeted educational programs focusing on breast cancer awareness and the importance of breast self-examination, emphasizing the significance of early detection and preventive measures.

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory condition of the airways that causes a variety of symptoms due to the irritation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. The aim of this study is to determine
the effects of Montelukast and hydrocortisone on liver function, liver antioxidant levels, and histology, in order to determine which medication may have a more favorable effect on the liver. Methodology: Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 180-250g were divided into two main groups; the Control group and Test group. The test group was further divided into three subgroups treated with anti-asthmatic drugs. The control group received normal rat chow and water
throughout the experiment while the test groups were exposed to concentrations of Ovalbumin (OVA, egg albumin grade II) and aluminum hydroxide to induce asthma after which they were treated with hydrocortisone and montelukast. All experimental groups (2, 3, and 4) were sensitized
1mg OVA and 200mg aluminum hydroxide dissolved in 0.9 saline on day 0 and 7. After confirmation of asthma in all test groups, treatment began with 5mg/kg hydrocortisone (i.p) and 10mg/kg Montelukast. They were challenged with OVA (1% w/v, dissolved in 0.9 saline) twice
weekly from day 7 of treatment until the last day. For the challenge, rats were placed in a plastic chamber measuring 70cm in diameter and 40cm in length connected to a Medel family nebulizer
with aerosol delivery of 0.28ml/min. At the end of drug administration, all animals were euthanized, blood and tissue samples collected for biomarker assay and histology. All data obtained from the experiments are expressed as mean ± Standard Error of Mean (SEM) and
statistical analysis performed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for assessing differences amongst multiple groups, followed by Tukey's test using Graphpad Prism 10.0.3 software. The
result of the experiment showed that there were statistically significant differences in liver enzymes and antioxidant levels among Montelukast and hydrocortisone treatment on asthma induced spraguedawley rats.