SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Lipids, including fats, sterols, and fat-soluble vitamins, play essential roles in energy storage, cell signaling, and cellular structure, making them vital to biological systems and industries such as food, cosmetics, and nanotechnology. Seafood, particularly fish like *Scomber scombrus* (Atlantic mackerel), is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provide numerous health benefits, including protection against heart diseases and oxidative stress. This study investigates the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of fish oil extracted from *Scomber scombrus* using various preparation methods (raw, marinated, boiled, and fried). The antioxidant potential of the oil, assessed through its ability to inhibit malonaldehyde (MDA) formation via the Fenton reaction, revealed that raw cured samples exhibited the highest scavenging activity, while boiled samples showed the lowest. These findings highlight the benefits of curing to preserve antioxidant properties in fish oil and suggest its potential application in mitigating oxidative stress-related diseases. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of lipids and omega-3s in seafood quality, preservation, and overall human health. Further exploration of cooking methods and antioxidant stability is recommended to enhance the nutritional value of seafood.

Background: University students often face challenges such as poor dietary habits, irregular physical activity, and academic stress, which can adversely affect their health and quality of life (QoL). Nutritional status, physical activity, and QoL are key interrelated health determinants, but limited evidence exists among Nigerian university populations. Understanding these relationships is essential for promoting healthy lifestyles and better well-being among young adults.
Aims: This study aimed to determine the association between nutritional status, physical activity, and quality of life among non-clinical undergraduate students of the University of Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 330 non-clinical undergraduates selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a self- administered questionnaire comprising the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square tests, were used, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Among the 330 participants, 54.8% were male and 45.2% female, mostly aged 18–25 years. The mean BMI was 24.13 ± 14.18 kg/m², with 53.3% having normal weight, 19.4%
overweight, 12.1% obese, and 11.2% underweight. Most students (76.1%) practiced healthy eating habits. Physical activity levels were moderate in 48.8%, low in 30.9%, and high in 20.3%. Regarding QoL, 62.7% had moderate scores, 32.7% high, and 4.5% low. A significant association was found between nutritional status and physical activity (p = 0.037), but not between nutritional status and QoL (p = 0.096) or physical activity and QoL (p = 0.697).
Conclusion: This study found a significant association between nutritional status and physical activity, but not with quality of life among non-clinical students in the University of Benin. Most students maintained normal BMI and moderate physical activity levels, though some displayed poor nutrition and lifestyle habits. These findings highlight the importance of university-based health programs to improve nutrition, activity levels, and overall well-being.

Arsenic trioxide, widely used in industry and medicine, poses significant risks of cardiotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to cardiac tissue. Azanza garkeana, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering potential cardioprotective effects by mitigating oxidative damage and preserving cardiac function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Azanza garckeana on arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Group A served as the control group and receive 1 ml of distilled water. Group B received 100 mg/kg body weight of Arsenic trioxide only. Group C received 100 mg/kg body weight of Arsenic trioxide + 500 mg/kg body weight of Azanza garckeana. Group D received 100mg/kg body weight of Arsenic trioxide + 1000mg/kg body weight of Azanza garckeana. Group E and Group F received 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Azanza garckeana only, respectively. Rats received oral administration for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed afterwards and heart tissues were harvested and processed for routine haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results showed some histological alterations: hypertrophic cardiomypathy, vascular dilatation and congestion, perivascular infiltrates of inflammatory cells, evidence of myocarditis in rats treated with arsenic trioxide only. However, there were significant improvements in the rats treated with arsenic trioxide and Azanza garckeana evidenced by normal histological features: branching and anastomosing myocardial fibres with centrally-located nuclei. In conclusion, findings from this study showed that Azanza garckeana protects against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats.

This study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and perception of quantity survey students of university of Benin towards the transmission and prevention of Corona virus. This study was guided by the following aims; to determine the level of knowledge of quantity surveyor students of University of Benin towards the prevention of Corona virus, to assess the attitude of quantity survey students of University of Benin on prevention of Corona virus and to determine the perception of quantity survey students of University of Benin on the transmission of Corona virus. The study employed a cross-sectional design that also involved a convenience sampling technique, and questionnaires were made in Google form, which was used in collecting data. The study findings revealed that 56.4% of the respondents had a fair level of knowledge, all respondents (100%) have heard of covid-19. The mean knowledge score is 63.57±13.42, which suggest a fair level of knowledge. The attitude level of the respondents shows that 47(41.4%) have negative attitude towards Corona virus, while 71(58.6%) have positive attitude towards it. This suggests that the respondents have positive attitude towards the prevention of Corona virus. The study also revealed that 61(51.4%) have negative perception towards Corona virus transmission, while 57(48.6%) have positive perception towards it. This suggests that the respondent have a negative perception on the transmission of Corona virus. Result shows that the level of knowledge is fair, with positive attitude and negative perception to the transmission and prevention of Corona virus. In conclusion, Knowledge did not show significant association with perception and also there was no significant difference in perception based on gender of the students. A recommendation of need for the university community to continuously provide accurate and timely information to their students was made

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic condition that disrupts the normal regulation of glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. Pancreatic lipase can contribute to diabetes by increasing the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, which in turn raises free fatty acids in the bloodstream. These fatty acids cause lipotoxicity, damaging pancreatic β-cells and decreasing their ability to produce insulin. This study investigated the anti-pancreatic lipase potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum by identifying its phytochemical constituents through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluating their molecular interactions with pancreatic lipase using in silico techniques. Results from the study showed the presence of twenty-seven (27) phytocompounds identified from the aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum using GC-MS technique. The most abundant phytocompounds from the plant were Supraene (17.71%), Glycerin (11.38%), 1,4-Dimethoxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene (8.07%), N-Butyl acetamide (7.11%), and Thymol (5.86%). To assess their anti-pancreatic lipase potential, all twenty-seven phytocompounds and the standard drug (Orlistat) were docked with pancreatic lipase to evaluate their binding interactions with the protein. Several of the bioactive compounds demonstrated stronger binding affinity with protein in comparism with the standard. However, α-Selinene (-6.5 kcal/mol), and β-Selinene (-7.1 kcal/mol), demonstrated the strongest binding interaction

Cardiac damage induced by environmental toxins such as cadmium chloride (CdCl₂Cl₂) poses a major public health concern. Cadmium chloride accumulates in tissues, exerting harmful effects through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and hematological parameters. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract such damage. This study evaluated the protective effects of S. jollyanum aqueous leaf extract on cadmium -induced cardiac damage in Wistar rats. Thirty- six Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6): Group A control (1ml of distilled water), Group B (10 mg/kg CdCl₂Cl₂), Groups C (150mg/kg extract) and D (300 mg/kg extract), and Groups E (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 150 mg/kg) and F (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 300 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Parameters assessed included body and heart weights, hematological indices (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets), and cardiac histology and histochemistry analysis for Masson’s Trichrome. Group B showed significant reductions in body weight, RBCs, hemoglobin, platelets, and exhibited myocardial degeneration, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption. Co-treatment with S. jollyanum, especially at 300 mg/kg (Group F), significantly reversed these effects, restoring hematological values, preserving myocardial architecture, and maintaining ECM integrity. Histological sections from Group F showed well-aligned cardiomyocytes, normal collagendistribution, and reduced inflammation

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a widely cultivated leguminous crop known for its high protein content, drought resistance, and economic importance, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It serves as a major source of nutrition for millions of people, providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Cowpea production is significantly challenged by insect pests, including aphids (Aphis craccivora), thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti), and pod borers (Maruca vitrata), which can cause substantial yield losses if not effectively controlled. To combat these pest infestations, farmers frequently use chemical pesticides to safeguard their crops and enhance productivity. However, excessive or improper pesticide application can lead to the accumulation of harmful residues in harvested cowpea, posing potential risks to both human health and the environment. For this study, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) from different vendor were chosen to provide a broad analysis of pesticide residues. The cowpeas samples were categorized into eight sets, each consisting of raw samples and their corresponding milled forms. The raw samples were labeled and stored separately from the milled samples to ensure proper identification and traceability. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for detection. The research followed a structured process, including sample collection, preparation, extraction, purification, and analysis using HPLC. The concentrations of the pesticides; Dichlorvos and Cypermethrin in the analyzed samples were calculated and expressed in µg/ml to indicate residue levels in the cowpeas. The concentrations of Dichlorvos in the analyzed cowpea samples varied: Sample E had the highest concentration (125.15 µg/mL), followed by sample F (116.06 µg/mL). Sample I had a moderate concentration (79.52 µg/mL). Sample G had the lowest concentration (52.73 µg/mL). Cypermethrin was only detected in sample I at a concentration of 2.82 µg/mL. The retention time (6.000 min) and peak area (5.33) confirm the presence of Cypermethrin but at a significantly lower concentration compared to Dichlorvos.These findings indicate that pesticide residue levels differ among viiviiisamples, potentially due to varying pesticide application methods, time intervals between pesticide application and sample collection, or environmental degradation. The detected Dichlorvos concentrations (52.73 – 125.15 µg/mL) in this study significantly exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by international food safety authorities. Cypermethrin was detected in only one sample (2.82 µg/mL), which is significantly below the Codex Alimentarius MRL of 0.05 mg/kg (FAO/WHO, 2021). This study revealed high Dichlorvos concentrations in cowpea samples, exceeding permissible limits, while Cypermethrin levels were minimal. These findings highlight potential health risks and the need for stricter pesticide regulation and better agricultural practices.

Background: Chest expansion and cough function are essential in managing critically ill patients. Chest expansion reflects respiratory muscle strength and lung compliance, assessed non-invasively using simple measurements. Cough function clears airway secretions and prevents complications like pneumonia, but it is often impaired in critically ill patients due to immobility and weakened respiratory mechanics. Exploring the relationship between chest expansion and cough function could enable better, non-invasive methods to assess and improve respiratory health in this population.Methods:This study employs a cross-sectional design to explore the relationship between chest expansion and cough function in critically ill patients. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique based on specific inclusion criteria.A sample size of 34 was determined through a power analysis, ensuring adequate statistical power to detect significant correlations. Results:This study included 34 participants (58.8% female, 41.2% male) with a mean age of 53. No significant correlations were found between cough function and chest expansion at any level (p > 0.05). However, a significant negative correlation was observed between age and cough function (r = -0.906, p = 0.021). Hypothesis testing confirmed no significant relationship between chest expansion and cough function but identified a decline in cough function with increasing age. Conclusion:This study explored the relationship between chest expansion and cough function in critically ill patients. Chest expansion, a non-invasive measure of respiratory mechanics, and cough function, essential for airway clearance, were evaluated in 34 participants with an average age of 53 years. While no significant correlation was found between chest expansion at any level and cough function, a negative correlation between age and cough function was observed, indicating a decline in cough effectiveness with advancing age. Gender differences were noted in chest expansion at the axilla and xiphoid levels, with males showing greater values, but no gender-based differences were observed in cough function.

Cymbopogon citratus is a widely used medicinal and culinary herb known to contain a variety of vitamins and bioactive compounds. Solvent-based extraction plays a crucial role in determining the yield and profile of these nutrients, particularly vitamins, which differ in polarity and solubility. This study aimed to compare the vitamin composition of polar (ethanol) and non-polar (diethyl ether) extracts of C. citratus to determine which solvent more effectively recovers specific vitamins. Extraction was carried out using standard maceration techniques with ethanol and diethyl ether as solvents. Vitamin analysis was conducted spectrophotometrically, and data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Relevant literature was sourced from peerreviewed journals indexed in scientific databases and pla forms such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and ScienceGate. The results showed that the polar extract contained
significantly higher levels of vitamin A (51.02 ± 0.004 ppm), vitamin B6 (2.533 ± 0.010 ppm), and vitamin D (55.89 ± 0.020 ppm). In contrast, the non-polar extract yielded significantly higher concentrations of vitamin B12 (2.957 ± 0.155 ppm), vitamin C (59.71 ± 0.035 ppm), vitamin E (36.07 ± 0.2335 ppm), vitamin K (19.90 ± 0.2137 ppm), and benzoic acid (6.124 ± 0.027 ppm), all with p-values < 0.05. In conclusion, the choice of solvent significantly affects the recovery of vitamins from C. citratus. Ethanol is more suitable for extracting water-soluble or moderately polar vitamins, while diethyl ether is better for highly lipophilic compounds. It is recommended that future research include in vivo investigations to evaluate the biological relevance, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential of the extracted vitamins, building upon the in vitro findings of this study.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to effective infection management, with Escherichia coli recognized as a key contributor due to its role in both community and hospital-acquired infections of particular concern are extended- spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, which hydrolyze third-generation cephalosporins and are frequently associated with multidrug resistance. This study investigated the relationship between the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index and ESBL production among E. coli isolates obtained from clinical specimens at the
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). A total of 51 isolates were analyzed
using standard microbiological and susceptibility techniques. ESBL production was confirmed in 9 isolates (17.6%), all from urine samples, consistent with previous reports that highlight urinary tract infections as the leading source of ESBL-producing E. coli. The MAR index values ranged from 0.1 to 1.0, with 31.4% of isolates
exhibiting MAR = 1.0, underscoring the high antibiotic selection pressure in hospital environments. Although ESBL production was more frequent at higher MAR values, statistical analysis showed no significant correlation (p = 0.1677). This contrasts with
findings from other regions where ESBL producers consistently demonstrate elevated MAR indices. The presence of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in UBTH underscores the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship and infection control strategies to mitigate treatment failures and resistance dissemination in Nigeria.