Tansian University

This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity and safety of glycolipid biosurfactant produced by yeast strains isolated from fruit pastes. Yeast strains were isolated from ripe pineapple (Ananas comosus) and unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) pastes using enrichment technique and screening for their biosurfactant potentials using emulsification and oil displacement tests. The yeast strains were characterized and identified using classical microbiological techniques. The crude biosurfactants produced were characterized biochemically and their toxicity status evaluated using phytotoxicity test. The result revealed that a total of 10 strains of yeast were isolated from the fruit pastes. The yeast strain PA4 had the highest emulsification activity of 37.50 % while yeast strain PA1 had the lowest emulsification activity of 23.52 %, respectively. Also, PA3 had the highest dispersive index of 24.64 mm, while PL3 had the lowest dispersive index of 8.54 mm, respectively. The yeast strains were classically identified as Trichosporon sp. and Candida sp. They were found to be glycophospholipid in nature as well as non – toxic to Zea mays seeds at low concentrations. The study has helped to synthesize a low cost and ecofriendly glycophospholipid biosurfactant which consolidates the ecological acceptability of biosurfactant.

Anthelmintics are drugs that are used to treat infections with parasitic worms. Albendazole as an antihelminthic drug is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal infestations. The present study aimed to examine the effects of Albendazole treatment on Wistar rats through histopathological evaluation of the liver and kidney tissues. A total of fifty (50) wistar rats were purchased from Chris animals and Research Farm Mgbakwu, Awka, Anambra State. The rats were acclimatized for a period of two weeks (14 days) before they were grouped into four (4) for the administration of albendazole. Group 1 (Control) received only feed and water, Group 2 received 400mg/70kg, Group 3 received 800mg/70kg group and Group 4 received 1600mg/70kg of albendazole at the beginning of every 3 months for a period of 12 months in addition to daily feed and water. At the end of every 3 months, the animals were sacrificed. The rats were anaesthetized by chloroform in a closed jar. The albino Wistar rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Liver and kidney were harvested, fixed, stained and examined microscopically using standard histopathological methods. In the histological assessments of the liver, photomicrographs of liver tissue showed morphology consistent with normal liver histology. The central vein, sinusoids and hepatocytes are normal with no obvious sign of injury in all the groups except in 1600mg/70kg group which showed a mild sign of vascular congestion with unremarkable presence of inflammatory cells around the central vein. The photomicrographs of the kidney tissue also showed normal histomorphology. The renal corpuscles (arrowhead), the macula densa (arrow) and the tubules (curved arrow) are normal with no sign of injury. Thus, it was concluded in this study that albendazole administered at a prescribed dosage may not cause any known histological adverse effects. Further studies using mebendazole and triclabendazole which are also derivatives of benzimidazole are recommended to assess whether they will adversely affect liver and kidney functions and structures.

The nutritional limitations of conventional feed ingredients have sparked interest in exploring alternative sources of nutrition. Macrotermes species, commonly known as termites, thrive on a recalcitrant lignocellulosic diet due to their symbiotic relationships with a diverse gut microbiota. These bacterial symbionts play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, vitamin synthesis, and the production of hydrolytic enzymes. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of bacterial symbionts from the gut of Macrotermes species to boost key nutritional parameters. The nutritional parameters were determined using instrumentation and gravimetric techniques. The symbiont bacteria were characterized using standard microbiological techniques, and this revealed the presence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ZG308 (LPZ3), Limosilactobacillus fermentum strain 2760 (LF2), Bifidobacteriu dentum strain MB0148 (BDM1), and Bifidobacterium bifidum strain CNCM1-4319 (BBC4) as the bacterial symbionts. The results revealed that the treatment group D3 recorded the highest nutrient composition, followed by D4, D1, and D2. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the nutrient composition among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). The study concluded that bacterial symbionts of Macrotermes species enhance growth performance and improve carcass nutritional quality. The distribution of the isolates in the studied insects revealed that LPZ3 was the most prevalent, followed by BBC4, LF2, and BDM1. These findings highlight the potential of bacterial symbionts from Macrotermes species as a frontier in nutritional biotechnology.

The paired row pigeonpea intercropping system, the space between the two paired rows of pigeonpea is effectively utilized for growing high-density cotton. This experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Tandur, Vikarabad during Kharif 2023-24 and 2024-25. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots (three) with paired rows of pigeonpea combined with three spacings of high-density cotton arranged in six subplots. Among the main plots, at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS), and at harvest, the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake was recorded under the high-density cotton spacing of M1 (60 cm x 15 cm) during both years of experiment as well as in the mean data whereas the lowest uptake was observed with the wider spacing of M3(100 x 15 cm). Among the subplots, the highest NPK uptake and final available soil NPK were recorded with the application of 125% RDN + Mepiquat chloride (50 ppm) at square formation and flowering stage (S3). This was followed by the treatment 125% RDN + Cycocel (60 ppm) applied at square formation and flowering stage (S6) during both years and in mean data. The lowest values were obtained with the application of 100% RDN + Cycocel (60 ppm) at square initiation, peak square formation and flowering stage. The highest final available NPK (247, 37.7 and 297 kg ha-1) during 2023-24 and (242, 35.1 and 291 kg ha-1) during 2024-25 recorded was spacing of M3 (100 x 15 cm). Among subplots the highest final available NPK (246, 38.4 and 301 kg ha-1 during 2023-24 and 242, 35.7 and 293 kg ha-1 during 2024-25) were obtained with the application of 125% RDN + Mepiquat chloride (50 ppm) at square formation and flowering stage (S3). The results of the current study will contribute efficient nutrient management for the sustainability of productivity in intercropping systems, especially under high-density planting conditions. In a pigeonpea-based intercropping system, optimizing nitrogen levels and growth regulators is crucial for enhancing nutrient uptake and maintaining soil fertility.

The formulation, characterization, and therapeutic potential of Andrographis paniculata-derived chitosan-based nano-encapsulated diterpenoids for targeted anti-inflammatory therapy are examined in this study. Chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, such as UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR, and GC-MS, were used to isolate and characterize two important bioactive compounds: 14-deoxy-11,12 didehydroandrographolide and neoandrographolide. The existence of functional groups including amines, carbonyls, thiols, and nitro compounds—which support the compounds’ anti-inflammatory qualities—was verified by FTIR spectra. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed that spherical nanoparticles with mesoporous structures (22.10 nm) were produced by ionic gelation using chitosan and sodium sulfate, followed by sonication, to accomplish nano-encapsulation. High encapsulation efficiency (82.5% for the main isolate) and a biphasic drug release profile—an initial burst followed by a sustained release over four hours—were demonstrated by the encapsulated compounds. In carrageenan-induced Wistar rats, sonographic imaging showed a significant decrease in paw thickness and vascular perfusion after therapy. This was supported by improved liver and kidney function and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP). A comparative analysis revealed that the nanoformulated extract exhibited less toxicity and performed on par with or better than common anti-inflammatory medications, such as Diclofenac. The effectiveness of A. paniculata nanoformulations for safer, longer-lasting, and more focused anti-inflammatory treatment is supported by this multidisciplinary approach that combines phytochemistry, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, imaging, and biochemical validation.

Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran dan pentingnya sila keempat dan kelima Pancasila dalam kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara di Indonesia menurut perspektif Islam. Pendekatan kualitatif digunakan dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui kajian pustaka. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif untuk memahami hubungan antara sila-sila Pancasila dengan prinsip-prinsip Islam. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa sila keempat, yang menekankan musyawarah, sejalan dengan konsep syura dalam Islam. Melalui musyawarah, partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengambilan keputusan diberikan ruang yang luas, mencerminkan nilai-nilai demokrasi dan inklusivitas. Sementara itu, sila kelima yang menuntut keadilan sosial bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia, sesuai dengan prinsip-prinsip keadilan dalam Islam, mencakup distribusi kekayaan yang adil, perlindungan hak-hak individu, dan penegakan hukum yang adil. Sinergi antara Pancasila dan pandangan Islam menghasilkan kerangka kerja yang kokoh bagi pembangunan negara yang berlandaskan keadilan, persatuan, dan kebersamaan. Kedua nilai ini tidak hanya menjadi prinsip hukum positif, tetapi juga ajaran moral yang diperlukan untuk mencapai keadilan dan kesejahteraan bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia. Dengan memadukan nilai-nilai Pancasila dengan pandangan Islam, Indonesia bisa mewujudkan visi bersama sebagai negara yang demokratis, adil, dan sejahtera bagi semua warga. Untuk itu, penting bagi negara dan masyarakat Indonesia untuk menjaga dan mengintegrasikan nilai-nilai Pancasila serta nilai-nilai agama sebagai bagian penting dari identitas dan kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with increasing antimicrobial resistance posing significant therapeutic challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance patterns of uropathogens and identify emerging trends in a Nigerian tertiary care setting. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,847 urine cultures from patients with UTIs between January 2022 and December 2024 at Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital Anyigba, Kogi State. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional biochemical methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results were statistically analysed using SPSS version 28.0, with significance set at p<0.05. Statistical significance was determined using chi-square and linear regression tests. Data were analyzed for resistance patterns, seasonal variations, and demographic associations. Results: Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (47.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (12.1%). Overall resistance rates were highest for ampicillin (78.4%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (71.2%), and ciprofloxacin (64.8%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 68.7% of isolates. Female patients aged 20-40 years showed the highest infection rates (34.2%), while elderly patients (>65 years) demonstrated significantly higher resistance rates (p<0.001). Seasonal analysis revealed peak resistance during the dry season months (November-March). Conclusions: The study reveals alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens, with multidrug resistance becoming increasingly prevalent. These findings emphasize the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs and revised empirical treatment guidelines for UTI management in Nigeria.

Lipases are versatile biocatalysts and are used in different bioconversion reactions. Microbial lipases are currently attracting a great amount of attention due to the rapid advancement of enzyme technology and its practical application in a variety of industrial processes. The aim of the present study was to screen for lipase enzyme producing potentials of Bacillus species isolated different automobile workshops in Anambra State. In study, soil samples were collected on six different locations with history of oil contamination namely Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha representing the three senatorial zones of Anambra State. Fourteen bacilli strains were isolated from oil contaminated soil samples using Nutrient Agar after heat treated at 80 °C for 15 min prior to serial dilution. The result showed that Onitsha sampling location point B had the highest lipase bacterial count of 23.90 X 104 CFU/g while Awka sampling location point A had the least count of 1.80 X 104 CFU/g, respectively. Tributylin phenol red test was carried out to determine primary lipase activity and subsequent secondary lipase activity was determined using Basal medium with tributyrin (1%). The results revealed that the crude enzyme extracts of three strains AWK1, NW1 and ON3 out of 14 lipolytic bacterial strains had the highest protein content and enzyme activities of 1.29, 1.40, 1.77 mg/mL and 39.18, 40.59, 28.80 U/mL, respectively and applied for further practical applications. These selected bacterial strains were later characterized and identified physiologically and found to be Bacillus sp. AWK1, Bacillus thuringiensis NW1 and Bacillus tropicus ON2 using Bergey’s Manual for Determinative Bacteriology, respectively. The isolation and lipase activities of these strains suggest that the automobile workshops soil samples are great reservoirs lipase producers.

Background and Aim of Study: To assess the levels of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, interleukin 10 (lL-10), high sensitive C - reactive protein (Hs-Crp) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in HIV infected adult individuals with and without diabetes mellitus in NAUTH Nnewi, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study design carried out at HIV clinic, Nnamdi Azikiwe university teaching hospital, Nnewi Nigeria. A total of 150 participants were recruited using simple random sampling technique and comprised 50 HIV infected individuals with diabetes mellitus, 50 HIV infected individuals without DM and 50 apparently healthy participants without HIV nor DM (control). TNF-α, IL-10 and Hs-Crp was determined using ELISA technique. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured using standard laboratory methods. Results: There was significantly higher mean level of TNF-alpha, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, Hs-Crp and FPG in HIV infected individuals with and without DM when compared with control group (p&lt;0.05) respectively. Significantly higher mean valueof BMI was observed in HIV infected individuals with DM compared with HIV infected individuals without DM (p&lt;0.05).BP was significantly higher in HIV infected individuals with DM compared with their counterpart without DM and control (P&lt;0.05) respectively. However, the mean IL-10 level did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) between the groups studied. Conclusion: This suggests some degree of inflammatory reaction in HIV infected individuals without DM and this may subsequently predispose the affected individuals to type 2 DM.

The study examines the impact of Nigerian home moves on Nigerian youth behavior, emphasizing the need for government intervention to restore order and preserve cultural values through education, mobilization, and entertainment. Negative attitudes because of violent movies Therefore, it is recommended that the abundance of local films undergo careful examination prior to production and distribution in order to have a positive influence on Nigerian society as a whole. The proliferation of local films is problematic. we used 200 respondents as our sample size drawn from our research production amuwo-Odofin Local Government Areas (Lagos) to test the variety of interest. Also the survey research method of data collection was employed to generate information on the impact of Nigerian home movies on the youth. Three hypotheses in chapter four, two of The impact of Nigerian home movies on youth was investigated using the survey research method of data collection. In chapter four, there were three hypotheses; two of them passed the test, and one failed due to the violence connected to certain house moves. Tables, straightforward percentages, etc. were used to present the analysisThe study explores the impact of Nigerian home movies on the behavioral patterns of young people in secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Amumo Odofin and Lagos.