SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Tomato spoilage results from adverse changes in quality driven by biological and physical factors, including microbial activity and mechanical damage. Globally, about one-third of tomato produce is lost before reaching consumers due to physical damage (e.g., bruises, mechanical breakage) and microbial activity from fungi and bacteria. This study was aimed at evaluating the fungi spoilage of tomatoes. Standard microbiological methods were used to determine the total fungal count of the samples. The fungi isolates were characterized and identified using morphological and cultural methods. The findings from this study revealed a high fungal burden in tomatoes sold across the surveyed markets, with total counts ranging from 9.0 × 10 4 to 14.0 × 10 4 cfu/g. Using the standard cultural, morphological characterization, the fungi isolates obtained in this study were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp., Alternaria spp., Penicillium citrinum, Cladosporium spp. The in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity assessments confirmed that many of the isolates were not merely surface contaminants but active spoilage agents. Most of the fungi demonstrated strong pathogenicity on inoculated tomatoes, a finding that correlates with their hemolytic activity on blood agar. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed variable resistance profiles among the isolates. While some fungi were inhibited by antifungal agents such as voriconazole and fluconazole, others displayed low sensitivity to drugs like nystatin and ketoconazole. The findings therefore emphasize the urgent need for integrated postharvest management strategies that combine proper handling, improved storage, strict hygiene practices, and the adoption of eco-friendly control methods.

Photocopying which is the act of paper duplication has become an indispensable activity in academic and business settings which is increasingly been recognized as a source of environmental and occupational hazards. Photocopier machines release emissions containing ultrafine toner particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone and heavy metals. Studies reveals that prolonged exposure to these chemical agents among occupationally exposed individuals is associated with respiratory problems, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and haemotoxicity. Hence, this research was aimed to evaluate selected immunological indices in male photocopier operators who are occupationally exposed to photocopier emissions in university of Benin campus in Benin City. A total of ninety (n=90) participants were used for this study; comprising of sixty (n=60) exposed and thirty (n=30) non-exposed after administering well structural questionnaires. Eight (8) milliliters of venous blood was collected from ante cubital fossa after routine daily work (6-8 hours) using vacutainer
and were dispensed into EDTA and Plain containers for total white blood cell count, Differential cell count, Cluster cell of differentiation count (CD4 + T- Lymphocyte cell) and serum levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) respectively. Total white blood cell and Differential cell count were analyzed using SFRI haematology auto-analyzer, CD4 + count using Partec Cyflow counter and serum IgE level was assay using ELISA technique. Data were analyzed using Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 28. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square and analysis of variance Statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Total white blood counts (Twbcs), Lymphocytes and monocytes, Absolute Lymphocyte and serum IgE level were significantly higher (p< 0.001) among occupationally exposed group (5.42 ± 0.18, 48.47±1.03, 16.45±0.42, 2.55±0.07 and 2.159±5.92) compared with the non-exposed group (4.01 ± 0.07, 34.31±0.54, 9.61±0.18, 2.11±0.15 and 1.580±3.95) respectively. While Granulocytes and CD4 + cell count were Significantly lower(p<0.001) among
occupationally exposed group (35.16±1.02 and 658.31±19.10) when compared with
non-exposed group (56.08±0.70 and 955.69±97.48). From this study we observed that continuous exposure to photocopying emissions resulted in increased levels of some immunologic parameters and decreased levels in others.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which often leads to complications such as increased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and imbalances in serum phosphate concentrations. Picralima nitida, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, has shown potential antidiabetic and biochemical regulatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of P. nitida on glycated hemoglobin and serum phosphate concentrations in male Wistar rats after a controlled feeding period. A total of [40] male Wistar rats were divided into e perimental groups, including a control group and treatment groups receiving varying doses of P. nitida extract. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess HbA1c levels and serum phosphate concentrations. The results revealed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels in treated groups compared to the
control, indicating improved glycemic control. Additionally, P. nitida administration didn’t influenced serum phosphate concentrations. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Picralima nitida in diabetes management and its possible impact on phosphate metabolism. Further studies are recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms and confirm its clinical applicability

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.

Nursing training is a combination of theoretical and practical learning experience that enables nursing students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for providing nursing care. Clinical nursing training is the most critical step in transforming nursing education, because that is really at the heart of getting the nurse ready for clinical setting, and for providing safe and excellent patient care. The aim of the study is to ascertain nursing students’ perception to clinical nursing training in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria. . The study was carried out using a descriptive cross sectional study a non- experimental design. A total of 320 bonafied nursing students in 200 – 500 level took part in the study. . Data was gotten from a well-structured questionnaire and a proform was used to assess nursing student’s perception to clinical nursing training in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. The result on Students’ Perceptions of Placement to Clinical setting showed that 152(87%) have positive perception, while 23(13%) have negative perception. Findings on perception of Clinical Teaching (instruction)/learning, showed One hundred and fifty three (87%) have positive perception, while 22(13%) have negative perception. Also Perception of clinical supervision showed that 153(87.4%) have positive perception, while 22(12.6%) have negative perception. Furthermore, Perception of clinical evaluation showed that 154(88%) have positive perception of it, while 21(12%) havenegative perception. Keywords: Clinical, Nursing, Training, Perception.

Sida acuta commonly known as wire weed possesses several therapeutic properties that can be recognized in traditional medicine. Sida acuta has been found to contain several photochemical (flavonoids, tannins, steroids), antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antidiabetic activities of the aqueous extract of Sida acuta on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme. In this study, the result on the α-amylase assay shows that the standard (acarbose) has better in vitro antidiabetic properties on α-amylase enzyme by inhibiting α-amylase at IC50 of 29997.9µg/ml when compared to the inhibitory properties of the aqueous Sida acuta
extract which had an IC50 of 42966.9µg/ml. The result obtained from the α-glucosidase assay
showed that the IC50 of the standard (acarbose) had better in vitro antidiabetic properties on the αglucosidase enzyme by inhibiting α-glucosidase at an IC50 of 10120.52µg/ml when compared to
that of the extract (IC50 of 14333.29µg/ml). In conclusion the extract displayed its medicinal properties by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme and could be used as a possible anti
diabetic therapeutic agent.

Chasmanthera dependens stem is used in African traditional medicine as a remedy for various maladies and also as a as a remedy for leprosy and lupus; however, scientific evidence tovalidateits uses in gastric ulcer healing is lacking. This study investigated the 'Gastroprotective effect of methanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens on aspirin induced ulcerated rats. Atotal numberof twenty-five (25) albino Wistar rats weighing between (120g-200g) were usedinthegastroprotective screening. The rats were randomly divided into three (3) control groups (n=15)and two (2) test groups (n=10) which are classified as follows; Normal control (n=5):
Administered only clean water and commercial feed, Negative control (n=5): Aspirin (300mg/kg)body weight. Positive control (n=5): Misoprostol (20mg/kg) body weight for seven (7) days+Aspirin (300mg/kg) body weight, Gastroprotective (n=5): Chasmanthera dependens extract (250mg/kg) body weight for seven (7days) + Aspirin (300mg/kg) body weight, Gastroprotective(n=5): Chasmanthera dependens extract (500mg/kg) body weight + Aspirin (300mg/kg) bodyweight. The animals were fasted for a period of 24hours, 300mg/kg body weight dose of aspirinwas used to induce ulcer. After four (4) hours, under light anaesthesia by chloroform, the animal swere sacrificed, stomach removed, washed, opened on greater curvature and examined for ulceration. Gastric injuries, ulcer index, pH and acid output were evaluated. The results obtained revealed gastric mucosa damage as evident by marked morphological changes, increasedulcerscore, ulcer index and acid output at p< 0.05. Results of this study showed that methanol can effectively extract the active constituents responsible for anti-ulcerogenic properties. This result has therefore justified the use of extracts of roots of Chasmanthera dependens in the traditional treatment of gastric ulcers in Nigeria.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical primarily used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element, vital for the health of humans and other living organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA) on some oxidative stress markers in adult male rats and evaluate the potential effect of Selenium (Se) in BPA-induced oxidative damage. A total of twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing between 180g and 200g were purchased and kept in standard cages for two weeks to enable them acclimatize to their new environment. After acclimatization period, the twenty-adult male Wistar rats were divided into four (4) different groups A, B, C, D: control, BPA-only, Se-only, and BPA+Se. Group A served as control, Groups B D received 20mg/kg BPA, 2mg/kg Se, and both, respectively, for 54 days. Blood was collected and analyzed for oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide Distumates (SOD) and catalase (CAT). All statistical analyses were carried out using Graph Pad prism statistical software version 10.0. The data from all the groups were presented as Mean ± S.E.M (Standard Error of Mean), (n=5) in each group and analyze for statistical significance using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Values were considered significant at P<0.05. The result shows that exposure to BPA resulted in significant (p<0.05) reduction in body weight. There was significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA levels in all groups compared with the control. On the other hand, SOD and CAT activities were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in all groups compared with the control, thereby indicating decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, these finding shows that Selenium (Se) supplementation did not mitigate the adverse effects of BPA and instead worsened oxidative stress, implying that Selenium (Se) may not provide protection against the harmful effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA) even at this dose but rather potentiated the effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA).

Icacina trichantha, known for their medicinal use possessing bioactive compounds with anti inflammatory and hematopoietic properties, offer promises for novel treatments. This study explores the effect of the aqueous leave extract on Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) expression to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving its therapeutic action. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of Icacina trichantha aqueous leaves extract on Cyclooxygenase 1 expression in Aluminum Chloride-Induced Anaemia in Albino Wistar Rats. A total of sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, aluminum chloride group, ferrous sulphate group, aluminum chloride + 100mg/kg leaf extract of Icacina trichantha, aluminum chloride + 200mg/kg leaf extract of Icacina trichantha and aluminum chloride + 400mg/kg leaf extract of Icacina trichantha groups respectively. 5 milliliters (ml) of blood sample was drawn from each rat, and haematological parameters and mRNA of COX-1 were determined using a SRFI Haematology autoanalyzer and polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data obtained was analyzed using the GraphPad prism 8.02 software.The comparison of Haematological parameters amongst the study groups showed that there was no significant difference in Total white blood cell count (TWBC μL) across the groups. Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) was significantly lower in group E (8.96±0.27) when compared to group D (10.6±0.31) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in other platelet parameters across the groups. Group C and D showed significantly lower expressions of COX-1 when compared to group B (p<0.05).Group C, D and E had significantly lower expression of COX-1 when compared to group F (p < 0.05). Groups E had significantly higher expressions of COX-1 when compared to group A, and significantly lower expression when compared to group B (p<0.05). Groups F had significantly higher expressions of COX-1 when compared to group A (p<0.05). In conclusion, administration of aluminum chloride resulted in no significant difference in white blood cell counts. There was also no alteration in platelet parameters, except PDWwhich showed slight difference. Administration of leaf extract of Icacina trichantha led to
alteration in the gene expression of COX-1.

This study examined the knowledge, perception, and uptake of voluntary HIV/AIDS screening among accounting students at a Nigerian university. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, 266 participants were selected through a stratified sampling technique to ensure a representative sample across different years of study. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for data analysis. The study aimed to assess students' level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their attitudes toward screening, and the factors influencing their screening decisions. Results showed a high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among participants, with
90.6% demonstrating good understanding, particularly concerning screening purposes, testing timing, and transmission routes. However, despite this high knowledge level, screening uptake was nearly evenly split, with 49.2% reporting good uptake and 50.8% indicating poor uptake. Only 28.2% engaged in regular screening, and just 35.3% had been tested within the last year, highlighting a gap in continuous monitoring. Stigma, lack of awareness, cost considerations, and accessibility emerged as the primary barriers, with 71.4% identifying stigma as a deterrent. Peer influence, awareness initiatives, and access to free testing services were significant facilitators for screening uptake. The study concludes that while knowledge about HIV/AIDS is high among accounting students, this does not consistently translate to regular screening behavior. Addressing both structural and psychosocial barriers is critical to improving HIV screening uptake. Recommendations include implementing institutional awareness programs, offering cost-free and easily accessible screening services, and developing peer support networks to reduce stigma. These interventions could contribute to a more consistent and proactive approach to HIV/AIDS screening among university students, ultimately supporting early detection and preventive health behaviors.