The study investigated farmers’ involvement in cocoa production sharp practices in Ife area, Osun State with a view to mitigating the challenge of farmers’ engagement in cocoa production sharp practices. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of cocoa farmers, examined their awareness of best practices in cocoa production and their perception about sharp practices. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 110 and 16 respondents subjected to structured interview schedule and key informant interview respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as regression. The study revealed among others that the respondents had 50.35±13.43 mean years of age, male (70.9%) and literate (64.7%). Majority (91.0%) of the respondents had high awareness level, perceived cocoa production sharp practices negatively (mean = 2.93) and involved in cocoa production sharp practices (moderately =65.5% and highly = 20.9%). Also, significant relationship existed between farmers’ age (β=0.013), years of formal education (β=0.014), income (β=2.514) and farmers’ involvement in cocoa production sharp practices. It was therefore concluded that although most farmers had high awareness of cocoa production best practices and perceived sharp practices negatively, the vast majority were involved in cocoa production sharp practices. Training and retraining intervention on the health implications of engaging in sharp practices and the need to embrace best practices in cocoa production is of utmost importance.
Urine-contaminated soils are increasingly recognized as environmental reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance, contributing to the spread of resistant bacteria within human-associated ecosystems. However, data on the resistance profiles of Gram-positive bacteria inhabiting such environments within Obafemi Awolowo University remain limited. This study investigated the occurrence, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and β-lactamase producing Gram-positive bacteria isolated from urine-contaminated soils across selected open urination spots on campus. Ten soil samples from visible open urination spots were aseptically collected and microbiologically analyzed within six hours. Bacterial isolates were recovered using standard microbiological techniques and identified through cultural and biochemical characterization. Susceptibility of isolates to a panel of antibiotics was determined following the standard organization (CLSI) guide. Using the nitrocefin test, the ability of the test isolates to produce β-lactamase was determined. The identity of β-lactamase-positive isolates was confirmed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 29 bacterial isolates were recovered, comprising 15 Gram-positive and 14 Gram-negative bacteria. The Gram-positive isolates were identified as members of the genera Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Listeria, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus. High levels of resistance (>90%) to β-lactam antibiotics were observed across all isolates, alongsidevariable resistance to other antibiotic classes. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.58 to 1.00, indicating substantial exposure to antibiotic selective pressure. Two isolates, identified as Bacillus species through molecular analysis were confirmed as β-lactamase producers. These findings highlight urine-contaminated soils as significant reservoirs of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, posing potential public health risks. The study underscores the need for improved sanitation infrastructure and enforcement of policies to eliminate open urination practices within university environments.
The purification and characterization of rhodanese, a cyanide detoxifying enzyme, from malted (MM) and unmalted (UM) grains of Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. BR. were carried out to understand the biochemical foundation of the survival of the consumers of these grains of food plants. Rhodanese from grains of MM and UM were purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography (CM-Sephadex C-50), and gel filtration chromatography (Sephadex G-100). MM and UM had yields of 4.33 % and 3.42 %, respectively, while the purified enzymes exhibited specific activities of 0.4892 and 0.1880 U/mg protein, respectively. MM and UM had native molecular weights of 31.29 and 33.00 kDa, respectively. The subunit had a molecular weight of 32.9 kDa. Using KCN as substrate, the Km values for rhodanese from malted and unmalted millet were 1.56 ± 0.13 mM and 0.67 ± 0.03 mM, respectively, while the corresponding Vmax values were 19.88 ± 0.84 and 11.29 ± 0.11 U mL⁻¹ min⁻¹. Using Na₂S₂O₃ as substrate, the Km values were 0.48 ± 0.05 mM and 0.53 ± 0.11 mM for malted and unmalted millet, respectively, while the corresponding Vmax values were 10.15 and 18.55 U mL⁻¹ min⁻¹. The optimal temperature for MM and UM was 60 °C. After 30 minutes, the enzyme maintained 95 % of its activity at 50 °C. For MM and UM, at a pH of 8.0. Mercaptoethanol and Na₂S₂O₃ were the preferred substrates for purified rhodanese, while the tested metal salts exerted minimal effects on enzyme activity within the concentration range examined. Rhodanese was observed in MM and UM, which demonstrated the rhodanese's physicochemical characteristics in the grains. The study suggests this may be the mechanism by which users of these grains survive by detoxifying themselves from cyanide in their surroundings.
Artificial lighting, especially at night, is increasingly recognized as a disruptor of circadian rhythms and immune function. This study investigates the effects of different light spectra on leukocyte and thrombocyte profiles in male and female albino rats over a prolonged exposure period. Male and female day-old albino rats were exposed to seven light conditions (ambient -AmBL, blue - BL, green - GL, yellow - YL, red - RL, white - WL, and darkness - DrK) between 6.00pm and 6.00 am for 126 days. Blood samples were collected on Days 35, 63, 91, and 126. Total white blood cell (TWBC) and platelet (PLT) counts, along with differentials of neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes, were analyzed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated to assess systemic immune stress. The data obtained were expressed as means (±SD) and compared by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA); level of significance was set at p < 0.05. TWBC was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in rats exposed to GL and BL, with the lowest levels observed in early exposure stages (Days 35 and 63). Darkness consistently maintained higher TWBC values. Neutrophil and NLR values were markedly elevated in females exposed to BL, YL and RL, and males exposed to YL at Day 63, while lymphocyte levels were suppressed. Monocyte counts were highest in rats under yellow light and darkness, indicating possible immune activation. PLT counts were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in male rats under BL, GL, and YL but increased it significantly (p<0.05) in female rats at Day 126. Light spectra modulate immune cell and platelet responses in albino rats in a sex- and timedependent manner. Green and blue light exhibited immunosuppressive effects, while darkness promoted immune stability. Yellow and white lights induced inflammatory and stress markers, especially in females. These findings emphasize the physiological impact of nocturnal light exposure and highlight the importance of spectrum-specific lighting considerations in health and research environments.
This study presents a validated historical analysis of land use/land cover (LULC) change and population density relationships in Lagos metropolitan area (1984-2009). Using Landsat 5 TM and 7 ETM+ imagery with supervised maximum likelihood classification (overall accuracy 81.7-88.3%, Kappa 0.78-0.84), we quantified LULC transformations across six local government areas (LGAs). Built-up areas increased from 36.0% to 63.9% of the study area, while vegetation cover declined sharply. Population density showed strong positive correlation with built-up expansion (r = 0.85-0.97) and negative correlation with vegetation cover (r = -0.85 to -0.99). LGA-level analysis reveals differential urbanization: Alimosho experienced 79% built-up growth with 26% population density increase, while Ikeja showed moderate built-up change (12%) despite 89% density growth. This established baseline provides essential reference data for understanding Lagos's transformation into Africa's second-largest megacity and informs differentiated urban planning strategies. We provide specific protocols for extending this analysis to contemporary data using freely available Landsat 8/9 and Sentinel-2 imagery.
