Phytomedicine is increasingly incorporated into modern healthcare; however, safety concerns surrounding herbal remedies necessitate comprehensive toxicological evaluation. Acacia polyacantha is widely used in Nigerian ethnomedicine for diabetes management, yet data on its safety remain limited. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity, hepatotoxicity, and histopathological effects of methanolic stem bark extract of A. polyacantha in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Thirty rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5): non-diabetic control, untreated diabetic control, metformin-treated diabetic rats (150 mg/kg), and diabetic rats treated with the extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. Untreated diabetic rats exhibited marked oxidative stress, characterized by reduced superoxide dismutase (46.08 ± 1.86 U/mL) and glutathione (612.40 ± 2.15 µg/mL), with elevated malondialdehyde levels (0.68 ± 0.04 µmol/L), compared with non-diabetic controls (p ? 0.05). Diabetes induction also resulted in significant hepatic dysfunction, evidenced by elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 60.60 ± 0.69 U/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 70.11 ± 1.08 U/L), reduced albumin (7.48 ± 1.78 g/dL) and total protein (9.63 ± 2.20 g/dL), increased total bilirubin (1.41 ± 0.21 mg/dL), and vascular congestion. Treatment with A. polyacantha extract improved liver function parameters, with the most pronounced effect observed at 200 mg/kg. The medium dose (200 mg/kg) significantly normalized AST (41.26 ± 0.89 U/L) and ALT (46.13 ± 1.02 U/L), restored albumin (6.02 ± 0.25 g/dL) and total protein (12.21 ± 0.96 g/dL), and reduced bilirubin levels (1.36 ± 0.08 mg/dL), comparable to metformin-treated and non-diabetic rats (p ? 0.05). Histopathological findings corroborated the biochemical results, revealing near-normal hepatic architecture in extract-treated groups. These findings demonstrate that A. polyacantha stem bark extract exerts significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, supporting its relative safety and therapeutic potential in diabetes management.

Research on the toxicity of microplastics has gained significant attention due to growing environmental and health concerns. However, studies investigating the genotoxicity of these pollutants remain limited, underscoring the need for further scientific exploration. This study evaluated the cytogenetic effects of polyethylene microplastics using the Allium cepa genotoxicity assay. Thirty-five viable A. cepa bulbs were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 5 per group) and exposed in beakers containing ultrapure water (negative control), 50 mg/L lead acetate (positive control), or polyethylene microplastic suspensions at concentrations of 10 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, and 100 mg/L. Root growth was monitored for seven days, after which the root tips were processed and analyzed for chromosomal aberrations. The results showed that, compared to the negative control, both root length and mitotic index were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced in the treated groups, following the concentration-dependent order: 100 mg/L > 50 mg/L > 25 mg/L > 15 mg/L > 10 mg/L. Chromosomal aberrations such as c-mitosis, vagrant chromosomes, bridge fragments, and sticky chromosomes were also observed, with their frequency increasing in the order of 10 mg/L < 15 mg/L < 25 mg/L < 50 mg/L < 100 mg/L. These findings suggest that polyethylene microplastics may have the potential to induce cytogenetic damage in A. cepa, warranting further investigation in other biological systems.

The increasing use of plant-based medicines necessitates safety evaluations of all medicinal plants. This study evaluated the effects of mango (Mangifera indica) leaf extracts on albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). The phytochemistry of the plant’s extract was evaluated, followed by a determination of its acute toxicity using 24 rats. Thereafter, the chronic toxicity of the extract was determined using another set of 24 rats, separated into four groups of six rats each. Rats in group 1 (the control) were administered distilled water, while groups 2, 3, and 4 received daily doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg kg-1 body weight, respectively. The rats’ body weights and reactions were monitored for 90 days before blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected for hematological and histopathological examinations. The phytochemistry revealed phenols, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, and saponins. The acute toxicity test recorded no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg kg-1, and all the rats behaved normally, except for one that was sluggish. The chronic toxicity test revealed no significant (p>0.05) weight difference between the control and treated rats. The packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and red and white blood cells of the rats fed 2000 and 3000 mg were significantly altered (p<0.05), while lymphocytes exhibited no significant alterations in any of the groups. The treated rats’ livers revealed dose-dependent necrosis, whereas their kidneys showed atrophy and epithelial cell degeneration. The results obtained suggest that a single dose of the plant’s extract is not harmful, but repeated high-concentration dosing for a long time may result in toxicity.

Background: Literature shows that most of the information on the toxicity of gluten is generated from survey and observational studies, resulting in inconsistent outcomes and a decrease in the acceptability of gluten-rich foods. To determine gluten's safety, an in-depth in vitro and in vivo toxicological examination is required. This enables scientists to come up with ameliorative strategies if it turns out to have side effects, and consumers' trust can be restored. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the toxicity of gluten extracts on albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups, each comprising six rats. Group 1 (control) rats were fed on pellet feeds and groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed on daily dosages of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g gluten extracts, respectively. The rats' body weights and reactions were observed for 90 days before blood samples were collected for hematobiochemical and micronucleus tests. Histopathological examinations of the liver and kidneys were also performed. Results: There was no difference (P > 0.05) in body weight, blood glucose level, or micronuclei between the control and treated rats. The lymphocytes, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, total protein, and calcium ions of the test rats were all significantly (P < 0.05) altered but remained within the normal ranges. Other hematobiochemical parameters, including packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white and red blood cells, aspartate transaminase, albumin, sodium ions, potassium ions, chloride ions, and urea, revealed no marked changes. The treated rats' livers and kidneys showed no histopathological changes. Conclusion: Gluten had no adverse effects. However, it altered hematobiochemical parameters, particularly the lymphocytes, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, total protein, and calcium ions.

The most common and cost-effective waste disposal method is the dumpsite; however, leachate from dumpsites may percolate and compromise groundwater sources. This study evaluated the levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and arsenic), physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, calcium, magnesium, and chloride), and microorganisms in borehole water samples obtained at distances of 50, 100, 200, and 400 meters from the Igando dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria. The health hazards associated with the heavy metals were also calculated. Physicochemical analysis indicated that the water samples were acidic, with pH values ranging from 4.30±0.01 to 5.21±0.008. They contained levels of calcium (166.73±0.01 - 328.66±0.06 mg/l), magnesium (83.72±0.02 - 119.40±0.17 mg/l), hardness (416.01±0.11 mg/l - 820.00±1.63 mg/l), and chloride (20.07±0.02 - 120.90±0.81 mg/l) that exceeded the limits set by the World Health Organization. Heavy metal analysis showed that, in all locations, lead exceeded the permissible limits, cadmium exceeded the limits except for the 400-m location, and copper, chromium, and arsenic (except for the 50-m location) were within permissible limits. The average daily intake and hazard quotient of the heavy metals were both within recommended limits, but the carcinogenic risks of lead, cadmium, and copper in water collected at a distance of ≤100m exceeded the threshold. Microbiological examinations revealed non-permissible levels of bacteria at all locations, coliforms at the 400-m location, and fungi at the 50-m and 400-m locations. On average, the parameters significantly (p<0.05) increased in concentrations as the proximity to the dumpsite decreased. These findings indicate that borehole water is not suitable for drinking without treatment.

Abstract Background: The burden of erectile dysfunction (ED) is rising worldwide due to unresponsiveness of some affected individuals to existing drugs and treatment strategies. Fortunately, improvement in biological techniques has led to the understanding that some cases of the disorder may have a genetic etiology, which, when fully understood, may lead to improved treatment. Objective: This review articulated established ED candidate genes and pathophysiology to assist researchers and medical practitioners to formulate effective drugs and treatment procedures. Methods: The Google search engine was used to retrieve relevant information on the topic from reputable academic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SpringerLink. Results: The search discovered 10 ED candidate genes, which are SIM1, SLC6A4, 5-HTTLPR, TGFB1, DAT1, MC4R, NOS3, GNB3, AR, and MTHFR. Polymorphisms or mutations in these genes may disrupt erectile activities of the hypothalamus, neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and nitric oxide as well as relaxation of penile tissues. Clinical presentations of ED include loss of erection, weak vaginal penetration, premature ejaculation, and anejaculation. Each gene has a distinct mechanism, which, if targeted in the affected may reverse the disorder or reduce the effects. Conclusion: Some cases of ED are genetic, which, when fully understood, may give an insight into new treatment procedures or improve on the current ones. Medical practitioners are advised to formulate treatment procedures that target the affected gene (s) in individuals.

In this study, the authors investigated the influence of emerging technologies on lifelong learning and resilience among women who dare Open and Distance Learning in a dual mode tertiary institution in the South-West geo-political zone of Nigeria. The sample consisted of 431 female learners from the three available departments; Management Sciences, Social Sciences and Science Education. Both secondary and primary data were collected; the latter was collected using a questionnaire on Google Forms. The data were analysed descriptively and using the ordinary least squares regression with robust estimates of standard error. This latter method helps to overcome the possible econometric problems of serial correlation and heteroscedasticity in the model. Preliminary data shows that women enrolments over a period of ten years have consistently increased. Also, most learners were aware of the emerging technologies except technologies such as edublog.com, Edmodo, Weebly and Wiki spaces. The regression result shows that emerging technologies influenced lifelong learning and resilience of the women. Meanwhile, emerging technologies that influenced lifelong learning and resilience were google classroom and Facebook only, while google drive posed a negative influence. Thus, more robust technologies, special female facilities and newly emerging technology job oriented fields should be introduced.

Dumpsites are the most cost-effective and widely used method of waste disposal. However, studies have linked dumpsites to groundwater contamination, necessitating a safety assessment of groundwater sources near dumpsites. The safety of borehole water near the Olusosun dumpsite in Ojota, Lagos, Nigeria, was investigated in this study. Water samples were collected at distances of 100, 200, and 300 m from the dumpsite and subjected to conventional heavy metal analysis and microbiological tests. The average daily intake (ADI) and hazard quotient (HQ) of heavy metals were also estimated. The heavy metal analysis revealed that copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) levels exceeded permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the three locations, while manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations were within non-permissible levels only at the distances of 100 and 200 m. The concentrations of other heavy metals tested, such as zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr), were within tolerable limits. The ADI of heavy metals at the three locations was within acceptable levels. However, the HQ of Cd in all the locations, as well as Pb at the distance of 100 m and Cr at distances of 100 and 200 m, was greater than the threshold of 1. The microbiological analysis revealed that all the water samples had non-permissible bacteria and coliform counts. The results obtained suggest that the borehole water around the dumpsite is grossly contaminated, with contamination levels increasing significantly (P≤0.05) with closeness to the dumpsite (100>200>300 m). Therefore, there is a need for heavy metal remediation and disinfection of the dumpsite.

This study investigated the type 1 and type 2 diabetes risk factors and prevalence among residents of Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. This research was a cross-sectional study involving Ehi, Pharcept and Divine Intervention Medical centers. The demographics of 106 patients living with diabetes were collected and analyzed to characterize people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) in Ikorodu LGA. Written ethical approval was obtained from the health facilities visited. Administrative personnel in the health facilities assisted with the medical files of participants. Participants were interviewed and their consent was sought. Cronbach Alpha value of 0.79 was obtained for the questionnaire’s reliability. Filled copies of questionnaires were collected and analyzed using frequency, percentages and regression analysis. The results showed the prevalence of diabetes in the study area increased with age and diet was the most risk factor. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of diabetes in men and women with a P-value of 0.195. The study revealed that persons with T1DM and T2DM were predominantly between ages 41 and 60, although they were mostly middle class, non-smokers and Christians. Unhealthy diets (eating mostly carbohydrates) devoid of vegetables and proteins should be avoided by urban dwellers for good quality health; as revealed in the study that diet posed a key risk factor, especially for T2DM. The study recommends intensive efforts by healthcare professionals and stakeholders to put in place structured diabetes care and prevention program for residents.

Microplastics are widely used to manufacture diverse products such as textiles, skin care products, and household products such as detergents and soaps. However, microplastic pollution and its potential health risks are raising concerns worldwide. This study characterized and determined the safety of microplastics in water and sediments obtained from three locations, namely Ibeshe, Amuwo Odofin, and Ojo along Badagry lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. The samples of the lagoon's surface water and sediments were treated and analyzed for the abundance of microplastics, as well as their shapes, sizes, and types of polymers. The risk index of the polymers in the microplastics was also estimated. Microplastics were found to be more abundant (p <= 0.05) in the sediments (283-315 particles/kg) than in the surface water (108-199 particles/L). In both the water and sediments at all the locations, the dominant shapes were fibers (52%-90%), followed by fragments (3%-32%) and films (1%-25%). In order of significance, the microplastic size range of 0-100 mu m and 100-500 mu m dominated the surface water, while the size range of 1000-5000 mu m and 500-1000 mu m dominated the sediments at all the locations. The dominant polymers in both the water and sediments at all the locations were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide, while the least was polystyrene. In both the water and sediments at all the locations, the dominant risk score among the polymers is III (moderate risk). The results obtained suggest that microplastic pollution poses environmental and health risks to the lagoon, aquatic organisms, and humans. As such, the lagoon required microplastic remediation and control.

The block-molding industry provides housing and employment globally. However, cement contains toxic metals, so molders need periodic safety monitoring. This study assessed the safety of 25 block molders and 25 control subjects in Lagos, Nigeria. After obtaining informed consent, structured questionnaires were used to obtain participants’ weight, height, age, and skin texture. Moreover, the participants’ blood samples were analyzed for heavy metals (calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron, chromium, copper, and lead) and hematological parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume), red blood, and white blood cells). Also evaluated were biomarkers of oxidative stress damage, namely albumin, glutamate dehydrogenase, kidney injury molecule-1, DNA-8-hydroxyguanosine, carcinoembryonic antigen, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity . The molders’ skin was dry compared to the control. The molders’ blood plasma metals were higher (p ≤ 0.05) than the control, with the exception of lead, and were over the allowed ranges. Similarly, the molders’ packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and red blood cell levels were lower than usual, while their red blood cell levels were higher. The molders’ biomarkers were outside of the acceptable ranges and were significantly different from the control. The findings show that block molders are at risk of health hazards and should take steps to reduce their cement exposure.

Highlights: Workplace pollutants predispose people to hyperglycemia through beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. The risk is increased by unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking and drinking. Aging, due to mitochondrial function decline, also promotes hyperglycemia. Abstract: The increased global prevalence of hyperglycemia is linked partly to increasing industrial emission exposure, necessitating risk evaluations of various categories of workers worldwide. This study measured the blood glucose levels of selected non-obese artisans and workers from three companies (Imperio International, Mouka Foam, and Continental Iron) in Lagos, Nigeria. The participants’ demographic data were collected using structured questionnaires, after which their blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer. The results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards (88–126 mg/dL). On average, Imperio International participants were 32 years old, Mouka Foam and Continental Iron were 28 years old, and the artisans were 32 years old. Most of the participants were male secondary school graduates who worked an average of nine hours per day, six days a week. Artisans had the highest hyperglycemic population (46.15%), followed by Imperio International and Continental Iron (33% each), and Mouka Foam (29.41%). Smokers accounted for 10.53% of the hyperglycemic population, followed by alcoholics (36.84%), those who drank and smoked (42.11%), and those who did not drink or smoke (10.53%). Age class ≥41 accounted for 36.84% of the hyperglycemic population, class 31-40 (34.21%), and class 21-30 (28.95%). Participants with secondary school education constituted 63.16% of the hyperglycemic population, primary education (18.42%), individuals having no education (13.16%), and tertiary education (5.26%). The findings indicate that workplace pollutants predispose workers to hyperglycemia and that smoking and alcohol increase the risks. The findings necessitate exposure reduction and healthy lifestyles in the workplace.

Blended learning is an alternative for providing quality education to learners at the tertiary level of education. As a result, the study aims to assess the blended learning readiness among newly admitted learners of 2017/2018 session of Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos. Stratified random sampling was adopted to select 318 (155 male and 163 female) learners from the population. The instrument used for data collection was a 4-point Likert scale structured questionnaire titled Blended Learning Readiness Questionnaire (BLRQ) to elicit information from the learners. The instrument was adapted from St. Andrew’s College Online Learning Readiness Assessment. To ascertain the reliability of the instrument, a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.79 was obtained. 300 copies of properly filled questionnaire were used for the analysis. Mean score answered the research questions and the criterion mean was taken as 2.50. While the t-test was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 significance level. Analysis of research questions revealed that most of the newly admitted learners have self-direction towards their learning. Findings showed that learners possess good study habit and are ready for this mode of learning. The result from the hypothesis revealed a significant difference in the perception of students on the use of blended learning approach based on gender. Findings of this study will benefit the Management of Distance Learning Institute as well as learners; that are actually not ready for the blended or online mode of learning which could lead to frustrations and eventually to failures or high attrition rates.

Objective: The burden of obesity is currently enormous, necessitating a novel strategy to complement the existing ones. Accordingly, genetic predisposition is suspected in many cases of the disease, which can potentially be used as therapeutic targets. However, there are differing viewpoints on the suspect genes, prompting the current review to articulate the genes and their mechanisms. Eight (16%) of the genes singularly predispose humans to obesity (called monogenic obesity), 22 (43%) interact with other genes and the environment to predispose humans to obesity (called polygenic obesity), and 21 (41%) cause syndromic obesity. Monogenic obesity is often caused by three genes [the leptin (LEP), the leptin receptor (LEPR), and the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes], polygenic obesity [fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene], and syndromic obesity (Prader-Willi Syndrome). These genes control food intake and energy expenditure, and so mutations in them cause overeating, adiposity, and hyperphagia. Based on these findings, two geneticallybased drugs, named recombinant human leptin and setmelanotide, have been formulated and shown to significantly reduce food intake, body weight, and fat mass. This suggests that when the genetic etiology of obesity is fully understood, the disease’s treatment and prevention will improve. Healthcare providers are urged to develop genetically-based personalized treatments for obese patients.

The present study focuses on the determination of physicochemical parameters of brewery industry effluent and receiving water which serves as a source of drinking water, fishing and irrigation for agricultural purpose to the community. The impact of the effluents from a Brewery industry on the water quality of Ikpoba-Oha River was carried out during wet and dry seasons, 2016. Water samples from three selected points in the river were analyzed for pH, temperature, total solids, total dissolved solids, Hardness, BOD, COD, DO, Chlorides, phosphates, sulphates. Samples were collected at three points designated as: point 1 (effluent), point 2 (upstream), and point 3 (downstream). The results of the analysis of the effluent obtained on both seasons were: pH (5.90-8.38), temperature (25.20oC-33.15oC), chlorides (12.0-129.2 mg/l), phosphates (0.9-20.48 mg/l), sulphates (3.30-53.0 mg/l), nitrates (3.8-17.20 mg/l), DO (2.3-4.15mg/l), Total Hardness (12.10-425.6 mg/l), Ca hardness (6.0-296.4 mg/l), Total Solids (44.0-513mg/l), TSS(20-159mg/l) and TDS (24-354 mg/l). The levels of most of the parameters monitored are generally higher at the point of effluent discharged into water bodies and dispersed to less malign conditions downstream due to water dilution effect.

BACKGROUND Epigenetic disruptions have been implicated in some cases of infertility and can serve as therapeutic targets. However, the involvement of epigenetics in infertility has not received adequate attention.AIM This study aimed to determine the epigenetic basis of infertility in order to enhance public knowledge.METHODS Relevant articles on the subject were collected from PubMed, RCA, Google Scholar, Springer Link, and Scopus. The articles were pooled together and duplicates were removed using Endnote software.RESULTS Available information shows that epigenetic mechanisms, mainly DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA interference are necessary for normal gametogenesis and embryogenesis. As a result, epigenetic disruptions in genes that control gametogenesis and embryogenesis, such as DDX3X, ADH4, AZF, PLAG1, D1RAS3, CYGB, MEST, JMJD1A, KCNQ1, IGF2, H19, and MTHFR may result in infertility. Aberrant DNA methylation during genomic imprinting and parental epigenetic mark erasures, in particular, may affect the DNA epigenomes of sperm and oocytes, resulting in reproductive abnormalities.Histone epigenetic dysregulation during oocyte development and histone-protamine replacement in the sperm may also cause reproductive abnormalities. Furthermore, overexpression or repression of certain micro RNAs embedded in the ovary, testis, embryo, as well as granulosa cells and oocytes may impair reproduction. Male infertility is characterized by spermatogenesis failure, which includes oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia, while female infertility is characterized by polycystic ovary syndrome. Some epigenetic modifications can be reversed by deactivating the regulatory enzymes, implying that epigenetic reprogramming could help treat infertility in some cases. For some disorders, epigenetic drugs are available, but none have been formulated for infertility.CONCLUSION Some cases of infertility have an epigenetic etiology and can be treated by reversing the same epigenetic mechanism that caused it. As a result, medical practitioners are urged to come up with epigenetic treatments for infertility that have an epigenetic cause.

It is believed that certain environmental factors modulate coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). This review outlines the role of environmental factors in COVID-19 infectivity, spread, and severity. Relevant articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and Scopus, then pooled and duplicates removed with EndNote software. Available information reveals that temperature, relative humidity (RH), sunlight, pollutants, and population density modulate COVID-19 infectivity and pathogenicity. COVID-19 spread is promoted by low temperature (< 25 °C) and RH (< 40%), whereas it is inhibited by high temperature (> 25 °C) and RH (> 40%). Sunlight exposure alters the virus’s genetic material and boosts the host’s immune function by raising serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitanim D), reducing the virus’s viability and replication. Prolonged indoor stays with poor ventilation cause re-breathing of the air and increase carbon dioxide concentration, particularly in crowded rooms, predisposing to COVID-19. Pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide, may overexpress the virus’s receptor called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), thereby increasing the virus’s infectivity. Pollutants may also induce inflammation of the respiratory tract, weakening the immune function and thereby increasing susceptibility to COVID-19. High population density increases body contact and thus susceptibility to the virus. To stem the incidence and mortality of COVID-19, the mentioned environmental factors must be kept at healthy levels.

ABO and Rhesus blood groups influence the prevalence of some diseases and can be used as a management strategy. However, the association varies geographically, necessitating the need to establish the nature of the association in every locality. This study determined the distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood groups and their susceptibility to malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis B among students of Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Nigeria. Demographic data of 1,005 participants (575 females and 430 males) were obtained using questionnaires, after which their health records were obtained from some medical facilities in the city. The results showed that 97% of the participants were Rhesus positive. Group O was the most prevalent among the ABO blood groups (45%), followed by B (21%), A (19%), and AB (15%). Malaria was more prevalent among group O carriers (49%), followed by AB (20%), A (19%), and B (12%). Among participants with recurrent typhoid, O was the most prevalent (48%), followed by B (22%), AB (16%), and A (14%). Hepatitis B was dominant among group O individuals (45%), followed by B (35%), AB (20%), and A (0.0%). Moreover, 94, 88, and 91% of the participants that expressed malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis B, respectively, were Rhesus positive. The results indicate that ABO group O and Rhesus positive antigen carriers in the institution were more susceptible to the diseases. As such, carriers of the blood groups in the institution should pay more attention to the diseases.

Introduction: Previously, we established the phytochemical composition and short-term administration safety of Guiera senegalensis (sabara), Cassia occidentalis (coffee senna), and Ziziphus mauritiana (jujube) leaves, which are common medicinal plants in Northern Nigeria. In the current study, heavy metal contents and long-term administration effects of the plants’ leaf extracts on hematological parameters and the kidneys of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated. The heavy metals analyzed were copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, and manganese, while the hematological parameters evaluated were packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Methods: Twenty-four mixed-sex rats were distributed into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 was made the control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered 1000 mg kg-1 one of the plants extracts for 90 days. Blood and kidney samples were collected across the groups for hematological and histopathological examinations. Results: The heavy metals were present in the extracts within the World Health Organization’s acceptable limits. The treated rats were anemic compared to the control. However, on average, only the C. occidentalis group showed significant differences (P<0.05) in hematological parameters. Unlike the control, the kidneys of the rats fed with Z. mauritiana and G. senegalensis showed vacuolation of cytoplasm and tubular degeneration, while the C. occidentalis-fed rats had inflammation and dilated Bowman’s capsules. Conclusion: These findings reveal that constant administration of high doses of the extracts for a long time may cause health hazards. People are advised to seek an expert’s advice before using the plants.

The paper examined Distance Learners' awareness and perception of Mobile Learning Apps as e-learning platforms. The population for the study comprised of all Mathematics and Science Distance Learners in South-West Nigeria. The study employed survey research design with two hundred and eighty (280) learners involved. The sample for the study was selected using purposive sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a researcher designed questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation, while hypothesis was tested using t-test. The study revealed that most of the learners are aware of the availability of the mobile learning Apps. However, the study showed that the learners exhibit a negative attitude towards usage of mobile learning Apps as e-learning platforms. The study recommended among others that the distance learning institutions should use different medium to sensitize the learners on the benefit of the use of mobile learning Apps. Also, learners should be properly guided on how to easily make use of different mobile learning Apps as this can encourage them to be fully integrated into the on-line learning platforms.