| 1 |
Author(s):
Okon Victoria Edem (Ph.D.).
Page No : 1-16
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Gastro-Protective Role of Solanum Aethiopicum Ethanol Extract in Potassium Bromate-Induced Toxicity in Rats.
Abstract
This study was aimed at investigating the gastro-protective role of Solanium aethiopicum ethanolic extract on lipid profile in potassium bromate-induced toxicity in wistar rats. The treatment lasted for 28 days. Thirty (35) rats weighing 140g-150g were used in this study were separated into five groups of 7 rats. Groups 3 ,4 and 5 were pre-treated with 50mg/kg of potassium bromate for 2 weeks. Group 1 (control) were given normal feed and 0.2ml of normal saline. Group 2 were administered 50mg/kg of potassium bromate for 2weeks. Group 3 and 4 received 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of Solanium aethiopicum extract respectively. Group 5 was administered with 100mg/kg of Vitamin C. After 28 days of administration, the animals were subjected to fasting for 24 hours and were anaesthetized, sacrificed and blood was collected by cardiac puncture, spinned and the serum used to carry out tests for lipid profile. In another set of fifty (50) male Wistar rats (150–190 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n=10) and were sacrificed to access pepsin activity, and mucus secretion. Juice collected from the stomachs were also subjected to pH, pepsin activity and total acidity tests. Low doses (significantly P<0.05) decreased lipid profile compared to vitamin C. Statistical analysis were conducted using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) together with post hoc test at P<0.05. The low dose of extract significantly(P<0.05) increased mucus secretion, pH level, reduced acidity, pepsin output in the stomach and reduced intestinal motility.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Tinni Dutta (Ph.D.).
Page No : 17-23
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Dopamine and Serotonin in Schizophrenia: A Comparative Theoretical Study.
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are signaling molecules that travels across the synaptic space to interact with receptors. In this study the relationship between the serotonin and dopamine was highlighted in Schizophrenia. Serotonin and Dopamine have individual roles in the progression of the disease, but interesting results had focused on interactive role. Earlier researches had highlighted that the serotonin system inhibits the dopaminergic function at the level of origin of the dopamine system in the mid-brain as well as at the terminal dopaminergic field in the fore-brain. To conclude the therapeutic success of clozapine and risperidone had revealed that two systems act as an avenue for superior therapeutic actions in schizophrenia.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Ezenwa C. M. (Ph.D.), Njoku-Obi T. N. (Ph.D.), Policarp Chia (Ph.D.), Ngozika Okechukwu –Ezike (Ph.D.), Obum-Nnadi C. N. (Ph.D.), Nwachukwu I. O., Ojiako V. U., Yongabi A. K. (Prof.).
Page No : 24-32
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Investigation and Phytotreatment of Mixed Infection of Malaria and Pathogenic Microbiota in the Reproductive Tracts of Rural Women in Okigwe LGA.
Abstract
Cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 women of reproductive age in Okigwe LGA. of Imo State to investigate efficacy of phytotherapy using local plant-based remedies, for managing mixed infections of malaria and Reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Participants were screened for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and for RTIs through microbiological analysis of vaginal swabs. Identified pathogens were cultured and analyzed for antimicrobial sensitivity. Phytotherapeutic treatments, including Artemisia annua, Moringa oleifera, and Allium sativum, were administered to a subgroup of women diagnosed with mixed infections. Efficacy was evaluated based on symptoms resolution, microbiological clearance, and malaria parasite count before and after treatment. Results revealed that all the women tested positive for varying degrees of malaria, with 35% of those also showing evidence of RTIs. The most common pathogens identified included Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Gardnerella vaginalis. After a 14-day treatment regimen, 70% of the women showed a reduction in pathogen load and symptomatic relief, Phytotherapy with Artemisia annua showed a significant reduction in malaria parasitemia, while Moringa oleifera and Allium sativum exhibited antimicrobial effects against common reproductive tract pathogens. Phytotherapy using local plants, such as Artemisia annua, Moringa oleifera, and Allium sativum, showed promising alternative to conventional treatments.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Dawaki Salwa Shehu, Kani Yamuna Aminu, Yelwa Sa’adatu Ibrahim, Dogara Mustapha Musa, Balogun Joshua Babalola, Adeniyi Komoru Abdulazeez, Abdulganiyyu Ibrahim A., Abdurrahaman Aminu Umar, Ahmed Demba.
Page No : 33-46
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Clinical Spectrum and Reproductive Health Implications of Female Genital Schistosomiasis in Jigawa State, Northwest Nigeria: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.
Abstract
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) remains an important neglected tropical disease with significant reproductive health consequences for women in endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 529 females aged 15–50 years across six local government areas. Participants underwent structured interviews and colposcopic examinations to document gynaecological symptoms and characteristic lesions, including sandy patches, grainy sandy patches, rubbery papules, contact bleeding, and abnormal blood vessels. Logistic regression models were applied to identify independent predictors of FGS. The most frequent colposcopic findings were contact bleeding (10.8%) and grainy sandy patches (9.3%), while the predominant self-reported symptoms included vaginal itching (66.2%), vaginal discharge (60.0%), dysuria (47.2%), and lower abdominal pain (44.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that vaginal bleeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.33, p < 0.001) and postcoital bleeding (aOR = 1.77, p = 0.005) were independently associated with FGS.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Owoh A. A., Green A. F., Bob-Manuel K. N. O., Inyang D. U., Timothy C. F.
Page No : 47-53
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Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Fish Tissues from the Tributaries of Ikpukulu River in Okirika L.G.A, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study assessed the concentrations of selected heavy metals lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) in the muscle, liver, and gills of Tilapia guineensis obtained from three locations of the tributaries of Ikpukulu River in the Dick-Fiberisima-Ama, Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Sample analysis was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results revealed bioaccumulation of these metals in fish tissues across all sampling points, with the general order of concentration observed as Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd at Dick-Fiberesima-Ama Creek (Point 1), Egbe-Ama Creek (Point 2), and Ogan-Ama Creek (Point 3). Mean concentrations ranged from 1.56±0.048 to 15.68±0.008 mg/kg in muscle, 2.85±0.053 to 11.35±0.053 mg/kg in liver, and 4.12±0.004 to 13.68±0.009 mg/kg in gills. Notably, levels of Pb, Cr, and Ni exceeded the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO 2011), indicating potential health risks for consumers. These elevated concentrations may be linked to anthropogenic activities such as illegal oil bunkering and waterway transportation. Therefore, public health awareness campaigns and the implementation of effective environmental management strategies are recommended to safeguard both human health and aquatic life in the region.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Solanke Ezekiel Olatoye, Okorie Tonye Grace, Imade Odaro Stanley.
Page No : 54-70
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Molecular Characterization of Bacterial and Fungal Isolates of Tie and Dye Wastewater from Local Textile Mills at Itoku, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Molecular techniques and phenotypic assessments were employed for identification and characterization of indigenous microbes in tie and dye textile wastewater. Genera isolated include Bacillus, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Saccharomyces, Penicillium and Aspergillus. Strains isolated have been kept in NCBI GenBank database under accession numbers OR485162, OR492431, OR492366, OR485290, OR492383, OR477460, OR485247, OR492410, OR485289, OR492362, OR485251, OR492370, OR492436, OR492467, OR492478, OR512432, OR492438 and OR492479. Bacterial counts, including textile wastewater-utilizing bacterial counts (TWUBC) and textile wastewater-utilizing fungal counts (TWUFC), were highest in brown-coloured effluent, with mean values of 5.66 ± 4.01 log10 CFU/ml and 1.48 ± 0.28 log10 CFU/ml, respectively. The lowest TWUBC in green-coloured effluent (1.27 ± 0.47 log10 CFU/ml), while the lowest TWUFC was in blue-coloured effluent (1.08 ± 0.51 log10 CFU/ml). Mann-Whitney U test indicated that TWUBC readings in brown-coloured effluent exhibited a statistically significant difference (p 0.05) was observed in TWUFC among different effluent colours. Statistical test also showed that TWUBC significantly differed (p < 0.05) from TWUFC obtained from the textile wastewater. This research emphasizes the presence of a diverse array of bacteria and fungi in textile wastewater, revealing their potential for bioremediation applications.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Anthony Ike Wegbom, Olatunde Raimi, Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe.
Page No : 71-92
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Spatial Analysis of the Relationship between Contraceptive Use and Under-five Mortality in Nigeria.
Abstract
Background:
Under-five mortality (U5M) in Nigeria continues to be high, while contraceptive use has not increased despite national and global commitments to improve reproductive health. This dual burden presents a significant public health concern, reflecting systemic weaknesses in linking family planning and child survival strategies. Understanding how contraceptive behaviour influences under-five mortality is essential to designing integrated interventions capable of improving maternal and child health outcomes. This study, therefore, examined the spatial dynamics between child mortality and contraceptive usage in Nigeria with a focus on the influence of geo-political contexts on both processes. The research drew attention to regional differences, considering the role of socio-cultural factors in shaping these outcomes.
Methods:
Data were drawn from the 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a nationally representative dataset comprising 38,768 women aged 15–49 years, selected through a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design to ensure adequate precision across all six geopolitical zones. United Nations Mortpak and Life table Stata ltable techniques were used to estimate child mortality rates from censored survival data. A Spatial Bayesian geo-additive regression and the Frequentist Model were conducted to account for the geographical differences.
Results:
About two-thirds (62.2%) of the mothers were aged 25-34 years, 67.9% were rural residents, and 52.9% had given birth at home. The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) was 21.7%, while the under-five mortality rate was 101.8/1,000 live births. The spatial analysis showed regional differences in under-five mortality rates, with the northern states having higher posterior odds ratios, while states like Ogun (U5MR = 28 per 1,000; POR=1.40; 95% Crl=0.69–3.22) and Bayelsa (U5MR = 38 per 1,000; POR=1.58; 95% Crl =0.72–3.84) had lower rates posterior odds ratios. In the completely adjusted Bayesian model, use of contraceptives remained protective, where mothers who utilized contraceptives were 15% lower to experience under-five mortality (aPOR: 0.85, 95% CrI: 0.72–0.98).
Conclusion:
The study highlights the relationship between maternal age, education, marriage, and place of residence and use of contraception and child survival in Nigeria. Therefore, low levels of contraceptive use, remain a contributing factor to under-five mortality in Nigeria. Hence, targeted and context-defined reproductive health interventions are required to improve child survival outcomes in Nigeria.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Muhammad Nasir Sulaiman, Bashir Sajo Mienda, Ramgopal Dhakar.
Page No : 93-102
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Bacteriological Evaluation of Sanitary Quality of Milk And Milk Products Sold in Dutse Metropolis.
Abstract
Milk is a rich source of protein and other nutrients in diet, but its perishability and high nutritional value makes it an ideal medium for the development of various microorganisms provided the condition is favourable. This characteristic makes it harbor pathogens of epidemiological importance. It has been previously established that in milk and milk products harbors bacteria predominantly Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp. Other species not commonly associated with milk include Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus spp. The poor quality of milk; unhygienic practices, poor animal husbandry practices, organization of milk supply chains and dysfunction of the regulatory authorities predispose the public to risk of contracting milk-borne infections. However, the precise bacteriological sanitary quality of milk and milk products sold in Ranch (Riga), Yan tifa, Hakimi, Dutse central market and Love Garden (Federal University of Dutse) Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State from microbiological point of view remained largely unknown. The current study establishes for the first time the bacteriological profile of milk and milk products and estimated the microbial load and isolated selected bacterial pathogens along the milk value chain of the study area. The results revealed poor practices and lack of formal training on milk hygiene among most of the actors. More than 90% of all handled milk samples had Total Bacterial Count (TBC) above the European Union, United States and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) standards. The bacteria isolated in this study were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. Educating the public especially milk handlers in rural areas and also vendors is a necessary action to ensure quality along milk value chain. To ensure this, policies by government, support services and training and programmes through both government and nongovernment organizations should be created and focused on research into health risk associated with milk contamination should prioritized.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Authority O. A. U. (Ph.D.).
Page No : 103-123
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Snoring as Involuntary Vocalisation: Mapping Its Rhythmic, Timbre-Based, and Affective Qualities in Experimental Music Composition.
Abstract
Snoring is usually treated as a private annoyance, yet it is a complex bodily sound shaped by breath, vibration, and emotion. While medical research has examined snoring for diagnostic purposes, little attention has been given to its creative or musical potential. This study addresses that gap by analysing snoring as an involuntary vocalisation that can inform experimental composition. Using spectral analysis, rhythmic examination, phenomenological listening, and practice‑based experimentation, the study identified clear patterns in breath‑cycle shapes, micro‑rhythms, noise‑based timbres, and expressive gestures. These features were translated into a compositional model that supports breath‑shaped phrasing, irregular pulse structures, timbre‑led writing, and affective shading. The findings show that snoring contains structured and emotionally meaningful sonic qualities that can be transformed into coherent musical strategies. The study concludes that everyday bodily sound, when listened to closely, can expand contemporary compositional practice and open new ways of understanding the musicality of human life.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Ewa-Udu Nwanneka Eleje, Blessing Jachinma Okonko, Chukwu Ann Onyinyechi, Ukanwa Chika Clement, Okonko Iheanyi Omezuruike.
Page No : 124-139
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Seroepidemiological Evidence of HIV/HBV Coinfection among People Living with HIV in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remain major global public health concerns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where both infections are highly endemic. This study investigated the seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV infection among HIV-1-infected individuals in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-1-infected patients attending the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital (AE-FETHA), Abakaliki. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits following the manufacturer’s instructions, with appropriate positive and negative controls included in each assay. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analysed to determine their association with HIV/HBV co-infection. The prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection among the study participants was 33.5%, while 66.5% had HIV infection only without evidence of HBsAg. Age showed a statistically significant association with HIV/HBV co-infection (χ² = 15.88, p = 0.001), indicating increased vulnerability to HBV infection with advancing age. Gender was also significantly associated with HBsAg seropositivity (χ² = 10.08, p = 0.001), with males exhibiting a higher prevalence of co-infection. Marital status demonstrated a significant relationship with HIV/HBV co-infection (χ² = 5.42, p = 0.020), with single individuals showing a higher risk. Educational status was strongly associated with co-infection (χ² = 44.01, p < 0.001), as lower educational attainment was associated with higher HBV prevalence. However, no statistically significant associations were observed between occupation (χ² = 6.76, p = 0.080) or religion (χ² = 4.35, p = 0.114) and HBV infection. Clinical parameters revealed significant associations between HIV/HBV co-infection and both CD4⁺ T-cell count (χ² ≈ 9.82, p = 0.007) and HIV viral load (χ² ≈ 11.64, p = 0.003). HBV co-infection was more prevalent among individuals with advanced immunosuppression and higher HIV viral loads, suggesting that poor immunological and virological control may facilitate HBV persistence. Overall, the findings highlight a substantial burden of HIV/HBV co-infection in Abakaliki and emphasise the need for routine HBV screening and integrated management strategies among people living with HIV.
