EFFECT

Background: Tear break up is an important indicator of tear film stability, representing the interval between a complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot on the corneal surface. Humidity plays a crucial role in tear film dynamics. Increase humidity decelerate evaporative water loss from the tear film, increasing tear break up time (TBUT) and alleviate ocular discomfort. Objective: This study investigated the effect of increased humidity on tear breakup time (TBUT) amid fifty (50) participants attending University of Benin Optometry teaching clinic. Studies have shown that increased humidity leads to a significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT), resulting in increased ocular comfort. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effect of increased humidity on TBUT. Method: Close observation on fifty (50) participants with convenient sampling design. Data on age, gender was carried out, an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to grade the participants into normal, mild, moderate and severe tear dry eye , they were then exposed to ideal humidity and increased humidity level, after 10 minutes of acclimatization in each humidity condition, non-invasive tear break up time (NITBUT) was measured in both conditions and findings were recorded. Result: Increase in humidity between 50% and 70% relative humidity (RH) were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (r = 0.80-0.95), participants with normal, mild and severe ocular surface disorder index (OSDI) score all showed significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT) and increased ocular comfort. Conclusion: Result demonstrates that increase in humidity level markedly improved tear film stability from all groups regardless of age, gender, ocular surface health (normal or dry eye). The results of this study confirmed that humidity is a critical environmental factor that influences ocular surface health. The study also revealed that controlled increase in humidity level yielded statistically significant tear film stability (p<0.001) in all groups. KEYWORDS: relative humidity, tear break-up time, tear film stability, ocular health.

Iron dysregulation remains a critical global health challenge, affecting billions through conditions ranging from iron deficiency anemia to hereditary hemochromatosis. This study investigated the effects of Piper guineense (Uziza) leaf extract on HFE gene, TFRC gene and survival rate of Drosophila melanogaster. Fresh Uziza leaves were collected, authenticated and extracted using 70% ethanol maceration. Five experimental groups (n=60 flies per replicate, three replicates each) were established: Control, 100 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 400 mg/mL Piper guineense extract treatments. Survival was monitored over 21 days, followed by molecular analysis using conventional PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and quantitative realtime PCR with Gpdh as the housekeeping gene. Results revealed a striking hormetic response pattern, with 100 mg/mL treatment significantly enhancing survival (66.67% ± 4.67%) compared to controls (48.33% ± 3.06%), representing 30.3% mortality reduction. Higher concentrations (300-400 mg/mL) demonstrated dose-dependent toxicity. HFE gene expression showed significant dose-dependent upregulation, peaking at 300 mg/mL (2.65-fold increase, p < 0.001), with progressive increases at 100 mg/mL (1.42-fold), 200 mg/mL (2.08-fold), and 400 mg/mL (1.98-fold) compared to controls. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA, F(4,10) = 6.82, p < 0.05) confirmed significant inter-group differences. The dissociation between optimal survival (100 mg/mL) and maximal gene expression (300 mg/mL) indicates that moderate transcriptional activation represents beneficial adaptation, while robust upregulation signals cellular distress. These findings demonstrate that Piper guineense bioactive compounds modulate iron metabolism gene expression through mechanisms likely involving iron chelation and oxidative stress signaling. The narrow therapeutic window emphasizes the critical importance of dose optimization for potential therapeutic applications in iron-related disorders.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a potent environmental toxicant that induces oxidative stress in the testes via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to lipid peroxidation, antioxidant depletion, and impaired spermatogenesis. This study investigated the protective effect of Entandrophragma utili bark extract (EUE) on oxidative stress indices in the testes of CCl₄-intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty (25) male Wistar rats (150–180 g) were divided into five groups (n=5): Group I: Normal control (distilled water) Group II: CCl₄ only (0.5 mL/kg, 1:1 in olive oil, ip., twice weekly) Group III: CCl₄ + Crude extract (400 mg/kgbwt) Group IV: CCl₄ + Ethyl acetate (400 mg/kgbwt) Group V: CCl₄ + Ethanol residue (400 mg/kgbwt) Treatment lasted 28 days. Testes were excised, homogenized, and assayed for reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Entandrophragma utili bark extract exhibits dose-dependent antioxidant protection against CCl₄- induced testicular oxidative damage, possibly via free radical scavenging. It holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related male reproductive disorder. CCl₄ intoxication significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and reduced GSH levels, confirming severe oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with the crude EUE extract significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated these alterations, restoring antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels near to normal and preserving testicular cytoarchitecture. The solvent fractions showed milder, non-significant restorative effects.

Biopesticides, often known as biological pesticides, are compounds made from biological agents that control agricultural pests to increase crop yields. The general aim of using the term biopesticide is to suggest a biological rather than a synthetic origin of the active agent, and implicit is a level of environmental and mammalian safety resulting from the use of naturally derived active. Telfairia occidentalis is an edible vegetable that is high in protein, vitamins, iron, calcium, and other nutrients that are necessary for a healthy diet. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of biopesticides on Telfairia occidentalis. This study was grouped into seven (7) biopesticides options compared to the control which no biopesticide was applied to. The biopesticides includes (Grinded pepper, garlic, and soap), (Grinded pepper and garlic), (Pepper, garlic and soap), (Pepper and garlic), (Neem oil and soap), (Neam oil) and lastly (Firewood ash). This study was carried out within 13 weeks, and the study was on different aspects of the plant growth which includes the plant height, the number of primary branches, leaf area, petiole length, tendril length, number of leaves, internodes, leaf chlorosis occurrence, and percentage of forage leaves. Across all aspects of the growth the Telfairia occidentalis treated with the biopesticides had significant increase compared to the control, which simply indicates positive effects across all. This study indicates that the biopesticides used are good pest control agents as a result of the growth and the good health of the plant. Asides from the fact that most of these biopesticides are good pest controlling agents, some are also a good agent for soil PH correction such firewood ash, and this also contributed to the growth and healthy profile of Telfairia occidentalis in the study.

One important measure of cardiopulmonary fitness is functional exercise capacity. A popular and standardized method for evaluating this ability is the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures how various physiological systems react to submaximal effort. While its impact on cardiovascular parameters is well-documented, the specific, acute effects of a self-paced functional exercise like the 6MWT on spirometric lung function levels in healthy individuals remain less characterized. Establishing this baseline response is crucial for the accurate interpretation of tests in clinical populations. This study sought to evaluate the acute effect of the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) on lung function levels in healthy adult male subjects. A pre- post intervention study design was employed. A cohort of healthy adult male students from the University of Benin, aged 18-29 years, was recruited. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) were measured using baseline spirometry. Each participant then completed the 6MWT on a standardized 30-meter track in compliance with the American Thoracic Society's (ATS) recommendations. Spirometry was repeated immediately post-exercise to capture acute changes in lung function parameters. Results showed a significant post-exercise reduction in FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in FEF25, FEF75, or PEF. The significant decrease in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC suggests mild, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction predominantly in the large, central airways. The stability of small airway parameters (FEF25, FEF75) and PEF indicates this response is localized, not affecting peripheral airway function or maximal expiratory effort. This pattern aligns with known physiological responses to exercise, where increased ventilation can trigger airway reactivity. The 6MWT induces an acute, measurable reduction in large airway function in healthy males. This finding establishes that a degree of airway reactivity is a normal physiological response to submaximal exercise. Recognizing this baseline is essential for accurately differentiating normal post- exercise dynamics from pathological bronchoconstriction in clinical assessments.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of selected aromatic pepper spices on the organoleptic and microbial qualities of oven-dried Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) fillets stored at ambient temperature. Fresh fillets were seasoned with 2% (w/w)
of three different pepper spices Scotch Bonnet (Capsicum chinense), Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), and Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and compared with not spiced (control) samples. The spiced and not-spiced fillets were oven-dried at 100°C for 5 ours, packaged in sterile ziploc bags, and stored at room temperature (28 ± 2 °C) for 14 days. Microbiological, and sensory analyses were conducted at 7-day intervals to assess changes during storage. Results revealed that the spice treatments and storage durations significantly (P < 0.05) affected the sensory and microbial qualities of the fish samples. On Day 1, all samples exhibited high sensory ratings across appearance, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability (3.8 – 4.6), but these values declined progressively by Day 14. Cayenne and Bell Peppertreated samples retained relatively higher flavour and acceptability scores than Scotch Bonnet and the control, suggesting mild preservative or antioxidant effects. Microbial counts increased with storage time, with bacterial loads ranging from 7.0 × 10⁻³ cfu/g in Bell Pepper-treated samples to 240.0 × 10⁻³ cfu/g in Cayenne-treated fillets samples after
14 days. Proteus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sp. were among the predominant bacterial isolates, while Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp., and Penicillium species were the most common detected fungi. Ultimately, bell Pepper proved to be the most effective in inhibiting microbial proliferation and maintaining product acceptability

Anxiety stress, characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, is a well-established pathophysiological factor implicated in the development and progression of anxiety disorders. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative due to its high oxygen consumption and lipid rich content. Watermelon juice (Citrullus lanatus) is rich in antioxidants like Lycopene and L-Citrulline, offering a potential natural intervention. This study investigated the effects of watermelon juice on anxiety-related behavior in oxidative- stressed Sprague Dawley rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into four groups: a control, an oxidative stress-induced group, a group treated with Vitamin C, and a group receiving watermelon juice intervention. Oxidative stress was induced with phenyl hydrazine. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). The results indicate that watermelon juice supplementation significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors, demonstrating its potential as a functional dietary intervention for mitigating the effects of oxidative stress. Data were analyzed using Grad Pad Prism version 10, and results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM), with p≤ 0.05 considered significant. The results showed that watermelon juice reduced anxiety performance and reduced oxidative stress levels compared to the untreated induced rats.

Background: Tear break up is an important indicator of tear film stability, representing the interval between a complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot on the corneal surface. Humidity plays a crucial role in tear film dynamics. Increase humidity decelerate evaporative water loss from the tear film, increasing tear break up time (TBUT) and alleviate ocular discomfort. Objective: This study investigated the effect of increased humidity on tear breakup time (TBUT) amid fifty (50) participants attending University of Benin Optometry teaching clinic. Studies have shown that increased humidity leads to a significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT), resulting in increased ocular comfort. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effect of increased humidity on TBUT. Method: Close observation on fifty (50) participants with convenient sampling design. Data on age, gender was carried out, an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to grade the participants into normal, mild, moderate and severe tear dry eye , they were then exposed to ideal humidity and increased humidity level, after 10 minutes of acclimatization in each humidity condition, non-invasive tear break up time (NITBUT) was measured in both conditions and findings were recorded. Result: Increase in humidity between 50% and 70% relative humidity (RH) were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (r = 0.80-0.95), participants with normal, mild and severe ocular surface disorder index (OSDI) score all showed significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT) and increased ocular comfort. Conclusion: Result demonstrates that increase in humidity level markedly improved tear film stability from all groups regardless of age, gender, ocular surface health (normal or dry eye). The results of this study confirmed that humidity is a critical environmental factor that influences ocular surface health. The study also revealed that controlled increase in humidity level yielded statistically significant tear film stability (p<0.001) in all groups.

The growing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials across various sectors has generated an increased interest in the extraction of bamboo fibres. The primary objective of this study is to tackle the obstacles linked with bamboo fibre extraction and analyze the effectiveness of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in improving the quality of the extracted fibres. The endeavour was initiated to analyze the historical progression of bamboo fibre extraction techniques, the significance of chemical treatments in fibre processing, and the specific impacts of NaOH treatment on fibre characteristics. The study encompassed an extensive review of pieces of literature to comprehend the context and importance of bamboo fibre extraction, encompassing both conventional techniques and contemporary advancements. The experimental arrangement for distilled water and NaOH treatment was formulated, encompassing variables such as concentration fluctuations at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% NaOH. The weight of water used was also calculated to be 1000g, 950g, 900g, 850g, and 800g to form solutions respectively. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to investigate the chemical structure of fibres before and after treatment, providing important details on the success of the extraction method. Data collection techniques involved sample preparation, maintenance of controlled environmental conditions, and statistical evaluation of experimental findings. The outcomes showed that NaOH treatment efficiently dissolved lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose constituents from the bamboo fibres, resulting in purer and cleaner fibre outputs. FTIR analysis corroborated the partial elimination of non-cellulosic components, with heightened NaOH concentration correlating with increased removal of lignin and hemicellulose. The discoveries from this investigation enhance comprehension of the chemical composition of bamboo fibres and underscore the potential of NaOH treatment in refining extraction processes. Additionally, the implications of the outcomes for industrial utilization, alongside suggestions for future research, are comprehensively deliberated.

The study investigated the sub-chronic effects of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on the weekly body weight and organ weight indices of Wistar rats. A. grandiflora, commonly known as the Giant African Cabbage Tree, is widely used in African traditional medicine for treating malaria, liver disorders, and metabolic diseases. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal applications, limited toxicological data exist regarding its long-term physiological effects. Fresh leaves of A. grandiflora were extracted with methanol, and twenty male Wistar rats were orally administered graded doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight for 28 days, with a control group receiving distilled water. Weekly body weight measurements and post-treatment organ weights (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, and testes) were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with significance at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed no significant adverse effect on body or organ weights across all doses compared to control, suggesting that the methanol extract did not induce major systemic toxicity under the experimental conditions. The observed stable weight progression and normal organ-to-body weight ratios indicate a relatively safe toxicological profile of A. grandiflora at the tested doses. The findings support its ethnomedicinal use and provide baseline data for further biochemical and histopathological safety evaluations.