Kwara State University

Tropical herbs are rich in bioactive phytochemicals with untapped cosmeceutical potential. Constituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and phenolics provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating effects. These structures enable free radical scavenging, UV protection, collagen stabilization, and modulation of inflammation, supporting uses in hair growth, skin lightening, nail strengthening, and odor control. Evidence spans in vitro assays (coffeeberry, tea tree, garlic), in vivo studies (calendula, bergamot, ginseng), and clinical trials (soy, aloe, rosehip) showing benefits in wound healing, hydration, tone, and acne reduction. Yet, most tropical herbs lack standardized formulations, toxicity profiling, and large-scale validation. Systematic exploration and commercialization could foster innovation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development in the global cosmeceutical industry.

Abstract Background Cypermethrin, a Type II pyrethroid insecticide, has been linked to neurotoxicity. However, its effects on the corpus callosum, the brain's largest white matter tract essential for interhemispheric communication, remain poorly understood, particularly regarding sex-dependent vulnerability. This study examined sex-dependent effects of cypermethrin on the corpus callosum of Wistar rats, focusing on white matter integrity, glial populations, GABAergic interneurons, and apoptotic profiles. Methods Sixty adult Wistar rats (30 male, 30 female) were randomly allocated into six groups: male and female controls (corn oil), low-dose cypermethrin (6.25 mg/kg), and high-dose cypermethrin (12.5 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral assessment utilized the hole-board test. Biochemical analysis measured brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and total protein. Immunohistochemical markers (GFAP, IBA-1, parvalbumin, cleaved caspase-3) and H&E staining were evaluated in the corpus callosum. Results Cypermethrin induced sex-dependent behavioral changes: males showed increased rearing frequency while females showed decreased rearing. BDNF concentrations significantly decreased in low-dose males (p = 0.0079) and females (p = 0.0039), with partial recovery in high-dose females. GFAP-positive astrocyte density decreased in exposed males but increased in low-dose females (p = 0.024). IBA-1-positive microglia decreased significantly in both sexes, particularly in low-dose groups (males: p = 0.0001; females: p = 0.0075). Parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneuron density decreased in low-dose males (p = 0.029) and both female groups. Cleaved caspase-3 expression increased in all treated groups, with high-dose males most affected (p < 0.0001). H&E staining revealed dose-dependent cellular density reductions, greatest in high-dose males (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Cypermethrin induced sex-dependent white matter neurotoxicity, with males showing greater susceptibility than females.

The global accumulation of approximately 1.5 billion discarded tires annually presents a critical environmental challenge, necessitating innovative recycling strategies in the construction sector. This study investigates the valorization of Recycled Steel Fibers (RSF) recovered from waste tires as a sustainable mechanical reinforcement in concrete. While traditional concrete is limited by inherent brittleness and low tensile capacity, the incorporation of RSF aims to mitigate these deficiencies through a multi-scale crack-bridging mechanism. Concrete mixtures were prepared with RSF dosages of 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight of cement. The experimental results demonstrate that while workability decreases with higher fiber content, stabilizing at a slump threshold of 20 mm for dosages of 4% and 6% due to fiber interlocking, the mechanical enhancements are substantial. Compressive strength improved by up to 22.2%, while tension-dominated properties saw the most significant gains, with split tensile and flexural strengths increasing by 44.7% and 47%, respectively. Highly robust regression models (R2 > 0.97) and error analyses (RMSE < 0.09 MPa) validate the predictive accuracy of the strength gains. Furthermore, a sustainability analysis reveals that substituting industrial fibers with RSF reduces the carbon footprint by 11.2% and enhances the Eco-Efficiency Index by 43.9%. These findings confirm that high-dosage RSF-reinforced concrete is a technically viable and environmentally responsible solution for resilient infrastructure, offering a net economic benefit of approximately USD 26,500 per 1000 m3.

Abstract Peristaltic transport phenomena play a crucial role in microscale thermal and biological fluid systems; however, efficient regulation of heat transfer, entropy generation, and microorganism dynamics under combined electromagnetic and radiative effects remains inadequately understood. In this study, peristaltic transport of a conducting fluid in a wavy microchannel is analyzed by incorporating the dynamics of motile microorganisms, quadratic thermal radiation, and Lorentz forces. A nonlinear mathematical framework is formulated to capture the coupled behavior of velocity, temperature, microorganism concentration, and entropy generation, and the resulting system is solved numerically under long-wavelength and low-Reynolds-number assumptions relevant to microfluidic applications. Mathematical models are formulated via incorporating electro-kinetic effects, thermophoresis and Brownian motion, and rheological performance of hyperbolic tangent fluid. The governing nonlinear equations are formulated and solved numerically using a finite element method. The results reveal that the Lorentz force significantly suppresses the axial velocity and enhances flow resistance, leading to a notable reduction in pumping efficiency, while simultaneously increasing entropy generation due to intensified electromagnetic dissipation. Quadratic thermal radiation is found to markedly elevate the temperature field, which in turn amplifies thermal irreversibility and alters the spatial distribution of motile microorganisms. An increase in microorganism concentration strengthens bioconvective effects, stabilizing the flow structure but contributing to higher entropy production through enhanced mass transfer irreversibility.

This study assessed the psychological wellbeing of student-athletes and non-athletes at the University of Ilorin, employing a descriptive research design. The population included all University’s students, with 149 participants selected through a multi-stage sampling process. Stratified sampling categorised students into athletes (77) and non-athletes (72) chosen via random sampling. Data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), validated with Pearson’s product-moment correlation reliability coefficient of .73. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages, addressed research questions, while an independent samples t test at a .05 alpha level was used to test hypotheses. The findings revealed no significant difference in psychological wellbeing between student-athletes and non-athletes. Additionally, the perception of the impact of sport on psychological wellbeing did not differ between the groups. The study concluded that both student-athletes and non-athletes at the University of Ilorin exhibit similar psychological wellbeing, and their views on the influence of sport on wellbeing are consistent regardless of participation. These findings suggest that sport participation does not uniquely affect psychological wellbeing in this context, emphasising the importance of universal stress management practices for all students. To enhance psychological health, the study recommends that both groups engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Keywords: psychological wellbeing, student-athlete, non-athlete, health status, University of Ilorin

This study compares five key data science domains: data structures, data analytics, big data, data mining, and database management systems (DBMS). As data-driven technologies have an increasing impact on corporate intelligence, automation, and academic research, it is vital to analyze their changing importance. A scoring framework was used using simulated yet realistic data to measure both current relevance and future development potential across fields. These trends were highlighted using grouped bar charts as visualizations. According to the report, while core areas such as data structures and DBMS remain vital, technologies such as big data and data analytics have the potential for significant growth. Data mining has also gained increased relevance as a result of its interaction with machine learning. These findings provide actionable insights for educators, academics, and industry experts who want to connect their skills and investments with future technological demands

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a synthetic organic compound widely used as plasticiser in various consumer products and it is known to act as an endocrine disruptor. Indiscriminate disposal of DEP-made products has harmful effects on fish and other aquatic organisms. Hence the present study was conducted to assess the toxic impact of DEP on general physiology of Clarias gariepinus. The fish were treated with different sub lethal concentrations (26.0, 34.5, 43.25, 53.8 and 62.5 µL/L) of DEP after series of range finding and acute studies. The LC50 value of DEP-exposed C. gariepinus was estimated to be 1.803 and 2.181 µL/L respectively of acute and chronic toxicities. Acute and chronic toxicity tests revealed disrupted normal swimming patterns, induced erratic movements, and impaired opercula function which may have implications for ecological functions of C. gariepinus. WBC count of 22.93±0.73 cells/mm³ was obtained in the control group and the treatment groups ranged from 22.97±3.00 to 33.40±1.16 cells/mm³. The P-value for WBC is 0.191, indicating no statistically significant difference between the control and treatment groups. The red blood cell (RBC) count in the control group was 1.50±0.29 million/mm³. The treatment groups varied, with the highest value (1.89±0.23 million/mm³) at 62.5 µL/L diethyl phthalate. The P-value is 0.548, indicating no significant differences in RBC counts between groups. Haemoglobin (HGB) levels in the control group were 4.93±1.13 g/dL. Treatment group values fluctuated, with the highest (6.93±1.36 g/dL) at 26 µL/L. The P-value of 0.639 indicates no significant difference in haemoglobin levels across the groups. The control group showed a haematocrit (HCT) level of 20.13±3.34%. Treatment groups varied, with no clear trend. The P-value is 0.520, suggesting that diethyl phthalate did not significantly affect haematocrit. Varied degrees of histological degradations like gill lamellae hypertrophy, hepatic vacuolation in liver and tubular degeneration in the kidneys were recorded and these anomalies were DEP concentration dependent. This work has revealed that DEP exerts its toxic effects even at sub lethal concentrations and this shows that Conclusively, DEP exerted dose-dependent toxic effects that disrupted normal pphysiological functions. Therefore, indiscriminate usage of DEP in environment should be monitored with strict vigilance.

Erectile dysfunction is an increasingly prevalent condition worldwide and has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in settings where access to conventional healthcare is limited. Although phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil offer proven therapeutic value, their adverse effects and contraindications have intensified interest in safer and more accessible alternatives. This has renewed attention toward traditional medicinal practices, especially in Africa, where diverse plant species have long been used to manage sexual dysfunction and other chronic ailments. In many communities, reliance on phytotherapeutic remedies is driven not only by cultural acceptance but also by limited availability and affordability of modern treatments. A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that several African medicinal plants possess bioactive compounds capable of improving erectile function through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurovascular, and hormone-modulating actions. Despite these promising findings, the precise mechanisms through which these plants exert their effects remain insufficiently defined, limiting opportunities for standardization, clinical translation, and potential drug development. The aim of this review is therefore to synthesize current evidence on African medicinal plants used for erectile dysfunction and to elucidate the mechanistic pathways underlying their biological activity. By consolidating available phytochemical, pharmacological, and mechanistic insights, the review highlights key therapeutic candidates and identifies critical gaps requiring further investigation. This synthesis is intended to support ongoing efforts to validate traditional knowledge, enhance understanding of plant-derived therapeutic mechanisms, and provide a scientific foundation for the development of safer and more effective interventions for erectile dysfunction.

Abstract Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases (VBZDs) remain a critical global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries and driving significant morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on nano-enabled smart drug delivery system (SDDS) within the One Health framework, emphasizing their role in advancing targeted therapy, controlled release, and theranostics for VBZD management. Nano-enabled platforms such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, metal–organic frameworks, and biomimetic carriers are designed for stimuli-responsive and site-specific delivery, enhancing therapeutic precision, lowering dosing frequency, and reducing the risk of drug resistance. Controlled-release formulations of agents such as artemisinin derivatives, amphotericin B, and ivermectin have demonstrated superior efficacy in the treatment of malaria and leishmaniasis, and in vector control applications. Targeted delivery strategies extend beyond human therapies to address viral reservoirs, infected macrophages, and arthropod vectors, highlighting the cross-species applications central to One Health. Theranostic innovations combine imaging and therapy to enable early disease detection, real-time monitoring, and the design of adaptive treatment strategies. Applications span human, animal, and environmental domains, from nanovaccines and veterinary antimicrobials to nanoparticle-based larvicides and biosensors for vector surveillance. Future directions underscore the integration of AI-driven nanodesign, scalable and eco-friendly synthesis, and harmonized regulatory frameworks to increase accessibility in resource-limited settings. Although clinical trials are limited, ongoing translational efforts indicate the transformative potential of nanomedicine in VBZD control. Ultimately, integrating nano-enabled SDDS into a One Health framework provides a sustainable and collaborative approach to reduce the global burden of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.

Psychiatric morbidity among military personnel poses significant challenges to individual well-being, operational effectiveness, and force sustainability. Although combat exposure has been widely linked to adverse mental health outcomes in high-income countries, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. In Nigeria, prolonged counter-insurgency and internal security operations expose Army personnel to diverse psychological stressors. Yet, little is known about how socio-demographic and occupational factors are differentially associated with psychiatric morbidity among combatant and non-combatant roles. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 297 Nigerian Army personnel stationed at Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, comprising 149 combatants and 148 non-combatants. Psychiatric morbidity was screened using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and confirmed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus (M.I.N.I.-PLUS). Socio-demographic and occupational variables were collected using a structured pro forma. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with psychiatric morbidity within combatant and non-combatant groups, as well as in the combined sample. Overall prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was significantly higher among combatants (55.0%) compared to non-combatants (22.3%) (χ2 = 12.73, p < 0.01). The overall prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in the sample was 38.7%. In combatants, predictors included age < 30 years (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.12–4.08), unmarried status (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.04–3.71), living in barracks (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.18–4.36), and prior deployment (AOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.51–5.44). In non-combatants, lower educational attainment (secondary or less) predicted psychiatric morbidity (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.05–3.85). Across the entire sample, combatant role independently predicted psychiatric morbidity (AOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.85–5.58). Psychiatric morbidity is common among Nigerian Army personnel and is differentially associated with socio-demographic and occupational factors across combatant and non-combatant roles. Combat exposure, combined with younger age, limited social support, and barracks residence, appears to heighten vulnerability among combatants, while lower educational attainment may increase risk among non-combatants. These findings underscore the need for role-specific, culturally informed mental health screening, prevention, and intervention strategies within the Nigerian Army.