Journal of Natural Sciences Engineering and Technology

PREVENTIVE ROLE OF Ficus exasperata N-HEXANE: ETHYL ACETATE (85:15 v/v) FRACTION AGAINST POTASSIUM DICHROMATE INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

D. I AKINLOYE — 2025-08-01

Humans and animals exposed to potassium dichromate develop oxidative stress-associated diseases. Given Ficus exasperata's medicinal properties, this study investigated how Ficus exasperata's n-hexane: ethyl acetate fraction (FR2) can prevent potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress in female Wistar rats. The study assessed oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) aconitase (ACON) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (total thiols (TSH), vitamin C (Vit C), and vitamin E (Vit E). Thirty female Wistar rats, divided into six groups (n=5), were used for this study. Group A (control) and B were administered olive oil (2 ml/kg b.wt (body weight)) for fourteen days. For an exact number of days, group C (Standard) was administered vitamin E (100 mg/kg b.wt) and omega 3 (72 mg/kg b.wt eicosapentaenoic acid+ 48 mg/kg b.wt docosahexaenoic acid). In comparison, groups D (30 mg/kg b.wt), E (60 mg/kg b.wt), and F (60 mg/kg b.wt) were administered Ficus exasperata n-hexane: ethyl acetate fraction (FR2). The experiment lasted for fourteen days, and potassium dichromate (100 mg/kg b.wt) was administered on the fourteenth day to rats in groups B, C, D, and E. Groups D and E pre-treated with FR2 showed the protective role of Ficus exasperata n-hexane: ethyl acetate fraction against high levels of serum ACON and MDA with concomitant low levels of T.SH, Vit C, Vit E, TAC and tissues (heart, liver, and kidney) ACON when compared to group B (Potassium dichromate intoxicated). This research revealed that the n-hexane: ethyl acetate fraction of Ficus exasperata leaf extract protects female Wistar rats against potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress.

AMLODIPINE –INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN MALE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES OF ALBINO RATS: BENEFICIAL ROLES OF TIGER NUT MILK

B. O. ONUNKWOR — 2025-08-01

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. This has led to the increased clinical prescription of antihypertensive medications especially calcium channel blockers (CCBs) that have been implicated in male fertility by altering hormone secretion. To investigate the role of Tiger nut milk in amlodipine isomers-induced male reproductive hormones alterations, forty-two male albino rats (150g -170g) were randomly segregated into six groups (n=7) for a six week experiment: Group 1 (control), group 2 (amlodipine 0.07mg/kg), group 3 (S-amlodipine 0.035mg/kg), group 4 (amlodipine + Tiger nut milk), group 5 (S-amlodipine + Tiger nut milk), and group 6 (Tiger nut milk 3.5ml/kg). Blood samples for hormonal assays were collected into EDTA coated tube after four weeks, to confirm alterations in male reproductive hormones, before commencing Tiger nut milk treatment for a further two weeks. The experimental rats were euthanized; blood samples were collected and centrifuged to obtain plasma for luteinizing hormone and testosterone assays. A significant reduction (p<0.05) in the plasma luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were recorded for amlodipine-treated male albino rats compared with the control, while a milder effect was observed for the hormonal levels of groups treated with S-amlodipine. Feeding with Tiger nut milk, showed favorable mild reversal of the hormonal decrements. This study thus suggests that, consumption of Tiger nut milk may be beneficial in cases of prescribed amlodipine-induced male reproductive hormone alterations.

CHRYSIN ATTENUATES PARAQUAT-MEDIATED TESTICULAR OXIDATIVE STRESS: PROTECTING AGAINST POTENTIAL REPRODUCTIVE DYSFUNCTION IN WISTAR RATS

A. J. AKAMO, — 2025-08-01

ABSTRACT

Paraquat (PQ), a widely used herbicide, is associated with various systemic toxicities in humans, including damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys and reproductive system. Chrysin (CH), known for its free radical scavenging properties, has been scarcely studied for its potential to mitigate PQ-induced toxicities. This study investigated the protective effects of CH against PQ-mediated testicular damage in Wistar albino rats. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: control, PQ, CH, and CH+PQ. The control and PQ groups received olive oil (p.o.), while the CH and CH+PQ groups were pretreated with CH (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for seven days. On the eighth day, the PQ and CH+PQ groups received a single dose of PQ (35 mg/kg, p.o.). Twenty-four hours after the PQ administration, testicular tissues were harvested and immediately analyzed for markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity. Exposure to PQ significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR). PQ also increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and elevated nitric oxide (NO) levels. Importantly, CH pretreatment significantly reversed these PQ-induced changes. CH restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes, reduced MDA levels, and normalized NO levels. CH pretreatment prevented the PQ-mediated depletion of glutathione (GSH), a critical antioxidant. These findings demonstrate that chrysin effectively protects against PQ-induced testicular oxidative stress by improving antioxidant defense, suggesting its potential to safeguard against male reproductive dysfunction.

PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF EXTENDED-SPECTRUM ß-LACTAMASE-PRODUCING Klebsiella pneumoniae IN SMALLHOLDER POULTRY FARMS IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

T. O. ARIOM — 2025-08-01

Food-producing animals like poultry have been identified as potential sources of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESβL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and spread of ESβL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae among ten (10) smallholder poultry farms in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria. Antimicrobial-resistant profiles, phenotypic characterizations, and spread of chicken cloacal swab sample isolates were studied. Isolation and characterization of ESβL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae were done using standard microbiological techniques. Standard antimicrobial discs, cefoxitin, vancomycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, amoxiclav, ceftazidime, streptomycin, cefotaxime, trimethoprim, and gentamicin were used for resistant profiling using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. In total, one hundred (100) samples were collected, and overall, 22% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 45% of ESβL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were recorded. Among these, ESβL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from Adigbe (50%), Onikolobo (33%), Ogun State television area (40%), Ajegunle (67%) and Somorin (25%). ESβL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was detected using a double disc synergy test, determined between cefotaxime (30 mg) disc alone and combined with clavulanic acid (30:10 mg) at a 15mm distance apart. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that among the antibiotics used, cefoxitin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (31.8 % resistance) were most effective against the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, while tetracycline (81.8%) and Cefoxtamine (63.6%) were the least effective antibiotics against the isolates. All ESβL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates recorded a multiple antibiotic-resistant index value of 0.5 to 0.8, thus further demonstrating that they are all multidrug-resistant. Findings have suggested the presence and spread of ESβL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae between smallholder poultry farms and farm handlers in Abeokuta. These findings present a significant public health concern. Coordinated efforts that emphasize antimicrobial stewardship must be implemented to mitigate this problem.

SEROPREVALENCE OF Yersinia pestis INFECTION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING LOCAL HERBAL CENTRES IN ABAKALIKI DISTRICT, EBONYI STATE

N.D. ARIOM — 2025-08-01

Yersinia pestis is a gram-negative coccobacillus bacterium that causes plague disease in humans and other mammals. Acquisition of infection in humans is by bites of a vector flea harbouring the bacteria or consuming infected rodents usually rats. The prevalence of this disease has not been fully reported hence this research was conducted to determine the prevalence of Yersinia. pestis infection with pathological symptoms locally called “Okezonwu” in Abakaliki district, Ebonyi state. A total of sixty-three (63) different clinical samples were collected from patients with different age groups receiving treatment in local herbal centres across the Abakaliki district. A rapid detection test was carried out using Artron f1-Y. Pestis is a step dipstick to determine the seroprevalence of the disease. Results showed that 20% of the specimens tested were positive for Yersinia pestis infection, with the highest prevalence of 42.9% for age groups between 11-20 years while those in the age categories 1-10 years and 51-60 years were all Y. pestis negative. Also, student farmers recorded a 66.67% prevalence, while those who were solely students, civil servants, and minors had no positive sample when considering patients' occupations. Males had the highest prevalence of 22.2% while female patients had a prevalence of 16.67%. This study revealed the presence of Yersinia. pestis in patients suffering from the plague locally known as "Okezonwu" in Abakaliki District.

BIO-SURFACTANTS FROM THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY: AN OVERVIEW

TEMITOPE O. ASHAMU — 2025-08-01

Bio-surfactants are surface-active agents that are produced by plants and microorganisms. Unlike chemical surfactants, they are biodegradable, less toxic, and have many applications in many industries, including the pharmaceutical and food industries. Bio-surfactants are structurally diverse owing to the diversity of pathways and microorganisms involved in their biosynthesis. Research on microbial bio-surfactants has increased over the years because of their multiple features and applications, such as detergency, foaming, emulsifying, and solubilisation of hydrophobic compounds. However, the high cost of production remains a challenge for the large-scale production of bio-surfactants. The use of cheap agricultural waste as substrates for bio-surfactant production can significantly reduce the cost of production. The refining of palm oil generates a large amount of waste, including palm fatty acid distillate, palm oil mill effluent, and palm oil decanter cake. These wastes and their disposal pose a significant challenge to the environment. Several studies have described the use of palm oil and the waste products of palm oil refineries as substrates for the production of bio-surfactants. Beyond providing substrates for bio-surfactant production, the soil and effluent from the palm oil industry are a very rich source of bio-surfactant-producing microorganisms. This review evaluated the literature on bio-surfactant production using palm oil and wastes from palm oil processing to determine their suitability for bio-surfactant production. It identified the role of bio-surfactant production in the management of waste from the palm oil industry and discusses the challenges and prospects of bio-surfactant production in the palm oil industry.

IDENTIFICATION AND SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF SOME SKIN BACTERIA ISOLATES USING VITEK-2 SYSTEM

I.A. AZEEZ — 2025-08-01

The use of the automated Vitek-2 system as a sensitive tool in the identification and antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms cannot be overemphasized especially for its fast, efficient and reliable technology. This study evaluated the Vitek-2 system for identification and susceptibility pattern of some isolated bacteria from skin infections. Two hundred and seventy-two skin swab samples from pupils with skin infections in some selected primary schools across the three geopolitical zones of Ogun State were examined for this study. Isolation and comparison of bacteria identification and susceptibility pattern were achieved using standard microbiological techniques, agar disc diffusion method and Vitek-2 system, respectively. Out of the two hundred and seventy-two (272) skin swab samples collected, twenty-eight (28) were identified to specie-level by Vitek-2 system. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus cohnii, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus xylosis, Staphylococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus lugdunensis were the definitive species of Staphylococcus identified. Staphylococcus aureus 13 (46.43%) had the highest prevalence of identity, however, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Staphylococcus cohnii and Staphylococcus xylosis had the least occurrence of 1(3.57%) each. The isolates were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin 24(85.71%), followed by gentamycin 21(75%) and nitrofurantoin 20(71.43%). All the isolates were absolutely resistant to benzylpenicillin 28(100%). A significant increase in the zone of inhibition of ciprofloxacin when compared with cefuroxime (F-ratio=9.325, P-value <0.05) was observed using the agar disc diffusion method. The study concluded that the Vitek-2 system is a definitive and comprehensive technique for bacteria identification and antibiotic susceptibility, thus providing rapid and accurate results while saving time and w

BEHAVIOURAL IMPLICATIONS OF EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET AND INFRARED LIGHTS ON WISTAR ALBINO RAT

G. A. ADEGOKE — 2025-08-01

The crucial role played by different light wavelengths can evoke different behavioural responses in animals, especially when introduced at night. This study investigated the effects of exposure to near Ultraviolet (UV) and near Infrared (IR) lights on exploratory, memory and antidepressant behaviour of male Wistar albino rat (Rattus norvegicus). Thirty weaned male rats (30.02±5.82 g) were exposed to daylight (6 AM to 6 PM) and 6 hours of artificial lights of varying wavelengths (UVA-365 nm, UVA-396 nm, IRA-850 nm and IRA-940 nm) at night for 90 days. The control groups were exposed to darkness (DRK) and ambient light (AML), respectively. Light treatments and control were replicated five times. Behavioural outcomes were measured using the Open Field Test (OFT), Forced Swim Test (FST) and Novel Object Recognition Test (NOR). The highest immobility time in FST was highest in DRK (110.00±6.33 s) while UVA 365 nm had the lowest immobility time (41.60±23.72 s). In the OFT, rats exposed to ultraviolet A (365 nm) light showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher exploratory and non-depressive behaviour: centre square duration (44.40±10.46 s), grooming duration (110.80±28.05 s), rearing duration (103.40±38.56 s). Rats exposed to UVA (396 nm) had the highest discrimination index for the novel object (0.03) in NOR test. In conclusion, exposure of male Wistar rats to ultraviolet and infrared lights of varying wavelengths had significant impact on the depressive, memory and exploratory behaviour.

LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus FROM LEKKI LAGOON, SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA

T. S. GBAIOR — 2025-08-01

Length-weight relationships are crucial in fishery stock assessments and when combined with the relative condition factor, may yield an estimate of the possible prevailing environmental factors. This study assessed the length-weight relation and condition factor of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Lekki Lagoon, Southwest, Nigeria for a duration of 12 months between January and December, 2022. The lagoon was randomly stratified into five landing sites: Whaf, Ebute-Oni, Agbalegiyo, Ilumofin and Luboye. A total number of 6,123 fish samples were taken from the local commercial fishers immediately after harvesting using assorted fish gears and were identified using identification keys. Mean length was 18.53±7.41 cm and weight was 106.32±171.97 g in the wet season but 16.16±5.72 cm and 69.26±104.40 g, respectively in the dry season. The length-weight relationship revealed a mean ‘b’ value of 2.73±0.17 (r = 0.91±0.02) which was significantly (P<0.05) lower than the isomeric value 3. Mean condition factor (k) ranged from 1.18 in April to 2.07 in September with a mean value of 1.61±0.26. It is concluded that C. nigrodigitatus species exhibited negative allometric growth pattern in the lagoon and they are in a good physiological state.

OCCURRENCE AND SHAPES OF MICROPLASTICS IN SELECTED SEAFOOD SPECIES, WATER AND SEDIMENTS COLLECTED FROM EPE LAGOON, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

A. O. SHITTU — 2025-08-01

Microplastics have become widely distributed in the environment to an extent that their occurrence in human consumables is currently a growing concern globally. In this study, tissues (gill, gut and muscle) of four selected seafood species in Nigeria (Tilapia zilli, Clarias gariepinus, Penaeus notialis and Pomacea canaliculata) were assessed for the occurrence and shapes of microplastics. Samples were collected from three points (Jubilee Chalete, Ojuolokun and Oko orisan) located on Epe lagoon, Lagos State. Collected seafood samples were dissected for tissues collection. The tissues were digested and microplastics were extracted from digested samples using membrane filtration procedure. With the aid of a stereomicroscope, membrane filters (pore size 0.45 um) were examined for visual counting and identification of the shapes of the microplastics. Results showed varying levels of microplastic particles of different shapes in all the accessed tissues of all seafood species examined. While there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentrations of microplastics found in the tissues of Clarias and Pomacea, tissues of Tilapia and Penaeus showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the levels of accumulated microplastic particles. Highest mean concentrations of microplastics in the gill and muscle were recorded from the tissues of Tilapia (16.00 and 9.25particles/individual respectively) while the lowest values (7.33 and 6.50 particles/individual respectively) were recorded from the tissues of Penaeus. The shapes of microplastics identified, in the order of abundance, include fragment, fibre, filament, pellet/bead, film, and foam. These findings suggest that humans are at risk of ingesting microplastics when they consume seafoods.

MICROBIAL LOAD, AFLATOXIGENIC PROPERTY AND HEAVY METALS IN SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH CASSAVA WASTEWATER IN ODEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE

A. O. SIRAJUDEEN — 2025-08-01

Environmental degradation poses a formidable challenge to sustainable development, emerging as one of the most significant threats. Cassava processing, a widespread human activity in both rural and urban centers in Nigeria and other regions, stands out as a potential contributor to environmental degradation. The study aimed to determine the microbial load, aflatoxigenicity and heavy metals in soils contaminated with cassava wastewater. Cassava wastewater-contaminated soil samples were collected from five sources in Odeda Local Government. The samples were collected in a sterile zip-lock bag and transferred to the laboratory. Standard microbiological procedures were employed for microbiological analysis; the screening for aflatoxigenicity in fungal isolates was performed on yeast extract agar and examined using an Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer. Metallic tests were conducted as part of the assessment. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software. Results revealed varying degrees of microbial contamination in the samples. Fungi isolated from the samples were: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp, and Rhizopus sp. Bacteria isolated were: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus sp, and Pseudomonas. Fungi and bacteria counts in the soil samples exceeded a feasible counting limit. Aflatoxigenicity screening affirmed that about 40% of the isolates were toxigenic. The study underscores the significance of implementing effective post-harvest handling practices for cassava to reduce contamination, thereby preventing environmental pollution and degradation.

Guide to Author

E.A. Makinde — 2025-08-01