Parasitic Infection of Amphibians from an Open Dumpsite and Otofure, the Host Community in Ovia North East LGA, Edo State, Nigeria

Open dumpsites provide ample and stable food sources for most animals, but they also make them more susceptible to illnesses and pollutants. Amphibians are typically drawn to these areas because of the abundance of prey and relative moisture. However, the ongoing burning at the dumpsite may jeopardize any creature that lives in this ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to assess amphibian diversity and parasite infections at an open dumpsite and its host town, Otofure, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.

Handgrip Strength as a Screening Tool for Diabetes in Resource-Constrained Settings: A Potential Solution to Overcome Barriers to Diagnosis

Diabetes mellitus is an escalating global health concern, especially in low and middle-income countries. Handgrip strength (HGS), a measure of muscle strength, emerges as a potential non-invasive and affordable screening tool for diabetes, particularly in areas with limited healthcare access. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGS and blood glucose regulation in non-diabetic young adults and to provide valuable insights into the potential of HGS as a preventive and affordable approach to managing diabetes.

Microbiological Analysis of Surfaces of Hospital Kitchen Equipment in Benin City, Nigeria

Hospital kitchen equipment are the materials used in the kitchen in carrying out food preparation effectively in hospitals. This study aimed to analyse the surfaces of some hospital kitchen equipment for microbial quality. Samples were collected before and after food preparation from surfaces of tables, sinks, gas cookers and freezer handle of three major hospital kitchens in Benin City, Nigeria. The samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to standard microbiological analysis.

Haematological and Histopathological Effects of Justicia carnea (Jehovah's Witness Plant)

Justicia carnea is a medicinal plant used widely in Nigeria as a blood-booster. The toxicity of the extracts of J. carnea was carried out to evaluate its haematological and histopathological effects on Wistar albino rats. The aqueous and ethanol extracts used for this study were obtained using the Soxhlet extraction method. A total of fifteen (15) rats in five treatment groups were used for this study. Different concentrations of the leaf extracts were administered to the animals for fourteen (14) days, after which they were observed for mortality and toxicity.

Proximate Composition and Mineral Contents of the Flesh and Shell of Tympanotonus Fuscatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda: Potamididae) of the Cross River, Nigeria

Tympanotonus fuscatus var .radula (L) is a species of periwinkle living in the black mud of the mangrove swamp forest along the brackish water mangrove swamp forest area of the West Africa rivers and in the Cross river in Nigeria. The proximate and mineral contents of it flesh and shell were investigated using techniques recommended by AOAC. The moisture, crude protein, ash, fat contents of the flesh were 50.00 mg/100gm, 22.32mg/100gm, 1.22 mg/100gm, and 10.02 mg/100gm respectively.
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Effect of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit Extract on Liver Functions in Pregnant Female Wistar Rats

This study investigated the influence of aqueous fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica on the liver function in apparently healthy pregnant Wistar rats. Twenty Wistar rats weighing 140-210 g were divided into four groups (n = 5). Group 1 was the control group and received only distilled water orally, while groups 2, 3 and 4 served as the test groups and each received orally 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the aqueous extract, respectively for 7 days from Day 7 of pregnancy to Day 14.

Antidyslipidemic Potential of Aqueous Extract of Petiveria Alliaceae Leaf on Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

This study investigated the antidyslipidemic activities of the aqueous extract of Petiveria alliaceae leaves against high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in male wistar rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups of control (n =15) and high fructose diet (n = 30) , each group received water and control diet and fructose enriched diet and water ad- libitum respectively for six weeks to induce metabolic syndrome.

Supplemental Increase of Vegetable Oil in Pig Feed Formulated from Agro-Industrial Waste: Effects on Body Weight and Biochemical Parameters of Pigs?

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental increase of vegetable oil in pig feed formulated from agro-industrial waste on body weight and biochemical parameters of pigs. Twelve female large White x Dunroc weaner pigs (15.5 ± 0.82kg) were divided into four treatment groups (A-D) corresponding to four formulated diets. Diet A (control) contained compounded diet without vegetable oil, while diets B, C, and D contained compounded diet with 1, 2, and 3% supplemental vegetable oil respectively. The animals were treated for two weeks.
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Soil Augmentation with Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf Materials for Assessment of Pod Yield, Nitrate Reductase Activity and Proximate Fractions of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.

Application of dry ground leaves of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) as soil nutrient augment for the productive assessment of seven accessions of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) was studied. The experimental pots (containing 4 kg of soil) were treated with 0 g (control), 10 g, 20 g and 35 g of dry powdered leaves in three replicates, arranged as completely randomised block design. Data collected include percent germination, number of days to flower bud formation, number of flower buds and flowers formed, number of pods produced per plant and 100-pod fresh and dry weights.

The Effect of Edible Clay (Èkó) Suspension on Serum Lipid Profile of Normal Female Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that edible clay contains metal contaminants, and its ingestion may be toxic to the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edible clay on serum lipid profile of female Wistar rats. Forty (40) healthy female Wistar rats, weighing 150 - 200 g, were sorted into four groups named group 1 - 4 with 10 rats each (n = 10). Group 1 was the control and orally received distilled water daily, while groups 2–4 received various doses of edible clay suspension ranging from 200, 800 and 1600 mg/kg respectively, through the same route for 28 days.