Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

BIOACCESSIBILITY AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY TOXIC ELEMENTS (PTES) IN CONTAMINATED SOILS

2026-09-06T02:14:41+00:00

The reliance on total concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) for human health risk assessment often leads to overestimation of exposure, as it does not account for the bioaccessible fraction available for absorption in the human gastrointestinal system. This study evaluated the oral bioaccessibility and associated health risks of As, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in contaminated soils from crude oil–impacted sites in Warri, Delta State, and Pb mining areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Surface soil samples were collected using a stratified composite sampling approach, air-dried, homogenized, and sieved to <250 µm prior to analysis. Pseudo-total concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while oral bioaccessibility was assessed using the Unified BARGE Method (UBM) simulating gastric and gastrointestinal phases. Pseudo-total concentrations (mg/kg) varied widely: As (25.0–55.7), Cd (7.4–18.4), Fe (32,740.7–48,666.7), Pb (76.7–7,451.0), Mn (400.1–4,938.3), and Zn (109.1–2,220.0), indicating substantial spatial variability and contamination intensity. Most elements were bioaccessible in both phases, with generally higher values in the gastric phase. Gastric bioaccessibility (%) ranged from As (3.1–37.5) and Cd (0.4–36.0), while Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn showed variable bioaccessibility depending on site conditions. Cd showed negligible intestinal bioaccessibility across all matrices, while Pb exhibited limited gastrointestinal bioaccessibility in crude oil–impacted soils. Arsenic consistently showed lower bioaccessibility than other elements. Variations were linked to soil physicochemical properties, pH-dependent solubility (gastric: ~1.5–2.5; intestinal: ~6.5–7.5), and metal speciation influenced by crude oil contamination. Daily intake (DI, µg/kg BW/d) of As exceeded TDIoral (0.3) at mine sites (0.31), while Pb exceeded TDIoral (1.9) at auto-mechanic (2.23) and mine sites (41.9). HQ and HI values >1 for Pb and As, especially in children, indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks, while CR values suggested possible long-term carcinogenic concerns.

EFFECT OF BREWERY EFFLUENT ON MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. (FAMILY: CONVOLVULACEAE)

2026-09-06T12:33:53+00:00

This study investigated the effects of brewery effluent on the growth and morphology of Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. under controlled screen house conditions at the University of Benin Screen House, Nigeria, in 2021. The experiment lasted fifteen days and aimed to evaluate how varying concentrations of effluent influence plant development. Effluent samples were diluted to obtain different concentrations viz. 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75%, while the undiluted sample and river water served as (100%) treatments and control (0%) respectively. Physico-chemical properties of the effluent such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and heavy metal contents were analyzed. Plant parameters including chlorophyll content index (CCI), leaf number, root number, and plant height were measured at intervals of three days (Days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15). Potentiometric determination of effluent’s pH showed that it was slightly acidic (5.4), with EC and TDS values of 1878 µS/cm and 941 mg/L, respectively. Iron (0.26 mg/L) and zinc (0.02 mg/L) were detected in the 100% effluent, while Chromium, Copper, Nickel and Lead were absent. Growth responses varied significantly across treatments. At lower concentrations (10% and 25%), I. aquatica exhibited enhanced chlorophyll content and increase in leaf number, indicating growth stimulation possibly due to nutrient availability in the diluted effluent. In contrast, higher concentrations (50% – 100%) caused progressive growth inhibition and eventual plant death by Day 15. Notably, CCI at 10% effluent (36.63 ± 9.66) was significantly higher than at 75% and 100%, which recorded zero values due to complete mortality (p < 0.05). The findings reveal that while mildly diluted brewery effluent promoted plant growth, while higher concentrations have toxic effects leading to total mortality. This demonstrates the importance of effluent dilution or treatment before discharge into the environment or its use for irrigation of farmland. Moreover, I. aquatica can serve as a reliable bioindicator for assessing the ecological impact of industrial effluents on aquatic systems.

PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF Amblygonocarpus andongensis LEAF EXTRACTS

2026-09-06T12:19:04+00:00

Amblygonocarpus andongensis is a vascular plant native to tropical regions of Africa used in traditional medicine. Ethnomedicinal studies have revealed the use of its leaf extract in the treatment of stomach-ache without scientific validations. The aim of this study was to investigate phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity of Amblygonocarpus andongensis leaf extracts. The plant material was percolated in methanol, extracted and dried to yield a green coloured crude extract which was later fractionated. Metabolite profiling of the extracts was conducted using Thin Layer Chromatography. Phytochemical screening of the crude extract was carried out using standard methods. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay using quercetin and ascorbic acid as positive controls. The TLC analysis displayed several compounds with different profiles. Phytochemical screening of the crude extract revealed presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, carotenoids, emodins, flavonoids, fixed oils and fat, glycosides, phenolics, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids while coumarins were found to be absent. The crude, n-hexane, dichlomethane and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated antioxidant activity of IC₅₀ value 29.545, 57.352, 20.357 and 15.962 µg/ml respectively relative to quercetin (IC₅₀ value 2.717 µg/ml) and ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ value 9.303 µg/ml). The antioxidant activity exhibited by the extracts could be associated with presence of phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins and flavonoids among others. This research for the first time reported the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of Amblygonocarpus andongensis leaf methanolic extracts. The research also validates the traditional use of the plant leaf extract in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

DETECTION AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF COMPOUNDS FROM Amblygonocarpus andongensis PLANT AND ITS ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS (Aspergillus niger)

2026-09-06T12:02:40+00:00

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms residing within healthy tissues of host plants, and are capable of producing several bioactive compounds that are identical or similar to those from their host plants. The aim of this work was to carry out a comparative study of bioactive compounds from Amblygonocarpus andongensis and its endophytic fungus. Plant leaf material was sampled from Bakori Local Government, Katsina State, Nigeria and identified at the herbarium unit of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria were number ABU4167 was deposited for future reference. Fungal isolation, identification and extraction were conducted following standard laboratory procedures. Extracts obtained were subjected to Thin Layer Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analyses as well as anti-inflammatory assay using diclofenac sodium as positive control. The TLC and LCMS analyses conducted on the extracts revealed presence of diversity of compounds in which some are chemically related. Both plant and fungal extracts were found to display a higher anti-inflammatory activity due to lower IC₅₀ value of 1.770 and 1.911 µg/ml respectively relative to diclofenac sodium (IC₅₀ value 4.731 µg/ml). This research for the first time reported the anti-inflammatory activity of Amblygonocarpus andongensis leaf and its endophytic fungus extracts as well as relative number of bioactive compounds present in them.

FUNGAL CONTAMINATION RISKS IN TRADITIONAL AGIDI: A FOOD SAFETY CONCERN IN NIGERIA

2026-09-06T11:52:31+00:00

Agidi, a popular maize-based delicacy in Nigeria, is highly prone to fungal contamination due to its high moisture content and neutral pH, posing serious health risks to consumers. This study aimed to isolate and identify fungal species associated with spoilt agidi and assess the biochemical changes resulting from fungal spoilage. Spoilt agidi samples were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar and molecularly characterized using ITS primers, identifying Trametes polyzona and Aspergillus niger as major fungi implicated in spoilage. Analysis of fresh and spoilt samples revealed significant declines in nutritional parameters, including protein (0.50 ± 0.02% in fresh vs. reduced in spoilt), crude fibre (3.99 ± 0.02% in fresh), crude fat (0.61 ± 0.01% in fresh), vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E, essential amino acids (threonine and valine), and minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc) in spoilt samples (p < 0.05). The moisture content increased significantly in spoilt samples (20.75 ± 0.88%). These findings highlight the need for strict hygienic measures, improved storage conditions, and natural antifungal agents to prevent spoilage, extend shelf life, and ensure the safety of agidi.

RISK FACTORS, PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF Staphylococcus aureus FROM WOMEN WITH PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE IN DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

2026-09-06T11:38:52+00:00

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection-driven inflammation of the upper female reproductive tract, a major cause of morbidity among women of reproductive age. The disease is traditionally attributed to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but increasingly linked to opportunistic pathogens such as S. aureus, particularly antibiotic resistant strains. This study investigated the risk factors and characterized S. aureus from women attending Dutse General Hospital, Jigawa State. A total of 220 consented patients completed the questionnaires, and high vaginal swabs were analyzed using standard microbiological protocols, and antibiotic susceptibility was conducted using agar well diffusion method. Significant association with PID (p < 0.05) were observed for educational status, nature of family, occupation, toilet facility, method of contraceptive, douching frequency, abortion history, prior PID knowledge, and previous urinary tract infections (UTIs). S. aureus prevalence was found to be 36%. Resistance was highest to ampiclox (95%), pefloxacin (60%), and zinnacef (52%), moderate to amoxicillin and gentamycin (42%), and lowest to azithromycin and levofloxacin (9%). This finding confirm PID as multifactorial condition shaped by socio-economic, gynecological, and sexual behavioral factors, with S. aureus identified as notable etiological agent. Low resistance to levofloxacin and azithromycin supports their continued therapeutic value.

PERIPHYTIC ALGAE AS INDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY IN SOME TROPICAL LOTIC SYSTEMS IN NORTHERN, NIGERIA

2026-09-06T03:14:51+00:00

River Kaduna is the main source of potable water in the Kaduna metropolis, home to 1.3 million people. Periphytic algae and water samples were collected from January 2013 to December 2014 in two drains, one receiving mainly brewery effluent and the second receiving effluents from an urban market; and River Kaduna into which both drains empty their waters.The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of periphytic algae as water quality indicators using diverse ecological metrics in River Kaduna and two urban drains that discharge wastewater into it. Indicator species analysis, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, and Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling were used to establish the linkages between periphytic algae and water quality. The sampling stations conveying brewery effluent were observed to be of a "very poor water quality" index (WQI) and were found to be associated with Achnanthes hungarica, Aulacoseira ambigua, Epithemia sp., Gyrosigma sp., Melosira calognosa, M. sulcata, M.sp., Surirella augusta, Oscillatoria limosa, and Botryococcus sp. While the sampling stations on the drain conveying wastewater from the urban market and residential areas were observed to be of 'poor water quality status was characterized by Nitzschia sp., Nostoc sp., Oscillatoria brevis, Oscillatoria tenuis, Euglena sp., Anomoneis sp., Aulacoseira granulata, Coconeis placentula, Frustulia rhomboides, Gyrosigma accumunata, Melosira distans, Pinnularia viridis, Synedra ulna, Coelastrum sp., Closterium spp., Scenedesmus spp., Staurastrum sp., Merismopedia glaucau, Merismopedia elegans and Oscillatoria lacustris. Water quality of all the sampling stations on river Kaduna were also observed to be of poor water quality status include Aulacoseira varians, Aulacoseira granulata, Melosira sulcata, Melosira numuloides, Pleurosigma sp., Frustulia rhomboides, Navicula sp. 1,2 and 3, Synedra ulna, Nitzschia sp., Surirella augustaCosmarium marigatius, Oscillatoria tenuis, O. brevis, O. lacustris, Nostoc sp. and Euglena sp. and Phacus sp. The varied response of periphytic algae to water quality confirms their reliability as water quality indicators.

FORMULATION OF EMULSION PAINT USING Cissus pulpunea (GUILL and Perr) STEM BARK EXTRACT AS BINDER AND A THICKENER.

2026-09-06T03:04:17+00:00

The use of locally sourced materials will help to produce an environmental friendly and more cheap and affordable emulsion paint products. The high cost of emulsion paints in our society is attributed to high cost of the imported raw materials, hence there is need for locally sourced raw materials to substitute the imported ones. In this research, emulsion paint was successfully formulated using Cissus pulpunea stem bark extract as an alternative binder and thickener to the conventional widely used Polyvinyl acetate and natrosol compounds. Fresh stems of the plant sample were obtained from Buda forest in Giwa L.G, Kaduna state, Nigeria. 1kg of the sliced stems bark was percolated in 2litres of water for 24 hours were a sticky and highly viscous gummy like liquid was obtained. The extract was characterized using FTIR spectroscopic analysis technique and was later used to formulate emulsion paint as substitute binder and thickener. The FTIR analysis result indicates the presence of C-H ,CO, OH, COOH, functional groups with strong peaks around 1200cm^-1, 1650 cm^-1 , 3500cm^-1 respectively . Two paint samples were prepared, i.e. A sample using the conventional raw materials containing PVAc as binder and natrosol thickener which served as control (sample A ), while sample B contain Cissus pulpunea stem bark extract as binder and thickener. The formulated paint (sample B), showed a promising Adhesion to the substrates and viscosity of 10.1.00 poises at 27.2°C and a density of 1.445 kg/L. Other characteristic parameters of the paint samples studied were: pH, fastness to light, opacity, drying time and wet abrasion resistance. The results observed from the various analysis carried out show that both samples A and B pass or nearly met the NIS standard of applicability and performance requirements for emulsion paint, Hence, Cissus pulpunea stem bark extract can effectively serve as an alternative binder and thickener in emulsion paint production.

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN CEREALS AND LEGUMES: GLOBAL TRENDS, HEALTH RISKS, AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

2026-09-06T02:48:58+00:00

Cereals and legumes form the foundation of global diets, contributing substantially to daily caloric and protein intake. However, heavy metal contamination primarily from agricultural inputs, industrial activities, and environmental pollution has emerged as a critical food safety concern. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg) are among the most frequently reported contaminants. These toxic elements enter food chains through pesticide residues, phosphate fertilizers, wastewater irrigation, and mining effluents, accumulating in edible crops. Their persistence and bioaccumulation present both acute and chronic health risks, including neurotoxicity, kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular disorders, and carcinogenesis.

This review synthesizes global evidence on heavy metal contamination in cereals and legumes, drawing comparisons across regions where weak regulatory systems exacerbate risks. In contrast, countries in North America, Europe, and Australia report lower contamination levels due to stricter pesticide regulations and continuous monitoring, though legacy pollution persists. Mitigation strategies such as phytoremediation, integrated pest management, soil amendments, low-uptake crop breeding, and regulatory reforms are discussed. Addressing this contamination requires multidisciplinary approaches that combine scientific innovation, farmer education, and policy enforcement. Safeguarding food security demands robust, context-specific interventions to reduce exposure globally.

ASSESSMENT OF Chasmanthera dependens (Hochst.) EXTRACT AND FRACTIONS ON ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE AND MONOAMINE OXIDASE ACTIVITIES

2026-09-06T02:33:31+00:00

Chasmanthera dependens is traditionally used for managing neurodegenerative disorders. This study evaluated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activities of C. dependens root fractions, and also investigated the binding mechanisms of its phytoconstituents against AChE and MAO-B through molecular docking. Crude methanol extract and fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol) of C. dependens root were assessed for in vitro inhibitory effects against AChE and MAO activities using spectrophotometric methods. Molecular docking simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina to predict binding affinities and interaction modes of identified compounds with AChE and MAO-B active sites. All fractions demonstrated significant enzyme inhibitory activities. For AChE inhibition, all fractions exhibited IC₅₀ values comparable to donepezil, with no significant differences observed (p > 0.05). For MAO inhibition, the methanol fraction demonstrated significantly higher activity than donepezil, while ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed comparable activity to the standard. Molecular docking against MAO-B revealed that kaempferol exhibited the strongest binding affinity among the phytochemicals, approaching that of donepezil (−11.2 Kcal/mol). Catechin (−9.4 Kcal/mol), ellagic acid (−9.1 Kcal/mol), and resveratrol (−9.0 Kcal/mol) also demonstrated favorable binding energies, while chlorogenic acid (−8.9 Kcal/mol) and rutin (−7.8 Kcal/mol) showed moderate binding. For AChE, ellagic acid (−9.8 Kcal/mol) and catechin (−9.2 Kcal/mol) exhibited strong binding affinities with favorable interactions at key amino acid residues including Trp84, Phe330, and Tyr334. This study provides scientific evidence supporting the neuroprotective potential of C. dependens through multiple mechanisms including AChE inhibition and MAO-B inhibition.

Chasmanthera dependens, acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase B, lipid peroxidation, molecular dockin

EFFECTS OF Lantana camara (LINN.) LEAVES AND ROOTS CRUDE EXTRAC

2026-08-27T22:34:44+00:00

Lantana camara, a well-known invasive plant, exhibits allelopathic properties that can significantly influence crop growth and yield. This study investigated the effects of L. camara leaf and root extracts on seed germination, growth, and yield trait of cucumber. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Ali Garko Botanical Garden, Bayero University Kano. Four concentrations (control, 5, 10, and 15%) each of L. camara leaf and root extracts were prepared and applied to cucumber under controlled conditions. The experiment was arranged in a randomized completely block design with four replicates. Data on germination, growth and yield parameters was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pitcher's LSD at 5% significant level was used to separate the means..Phytochemical analysis of L. camara leaves and root extract was determined using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that increasing concentrations of L. camara extracts significantly (p≤0.05) delayed germination and reduced germination percentage of cucumber seeds from 90 to 50%, with complete inhibition at the highest concentration (15 gL-1 ). Yield components, including number of fruit, fruit weight, and overall productivity were reduced (28.0%, 48.24%, 14.24% and 17.33%) at higher concentrations (15gL-1 ) though a mild stimulatory effect was observed at lower concentrations (5 g/L) on leaf extract in some cases. Lantana camara exerts strong allelopathic effects on cucumber seedlings at high concentrations (15gL). The phytochemical screening has therefore, identified beneficial bioactive compounds quercetin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, ursolic acid, and eugenol with antioxidant properties and contribute to plant defense mechanisms.

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS, WATER QUALITY INDICES AND HEALTH IMPACT OF MMILI OCHA RIVER, ABAKPA NIKE-ENUGU EAST, NIGERIA

2026-09-06T01:54:24+00:00

This study evaluated the water quality, heavy metal concentrations, and associated health risks of Mili Ocha River in Abakpa Nike, Enugu East LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria, to determine its suitability for domestic and drinking purposes. Water samples were collected from upstream, midstream, and downstream locations during the rainy (May–July) and dry (December–February) seasons and analyzed in triplicate using standard APHA and AOAC methods. Physicochemical parameters recorded were: pH 6.29–7.22, temperature 25.94–28.08 °C, electrical conductivity 149.28–354.84 µS/cm, total hardness 142.67–183.67 mg/L, total dissolved solids 166.55–275.67 mg/L, BOD 1.56 2.02 mg/L, nitrates 34.59–60.32 mg/L, sulphates 13.60–46.52 mg/L, phosphates 0.042–1.71 mg/L, and chloride 43.73–67.45 mg/L. Heavy metal concentrations included cadmium 0.0005–0.0051 mg/L, arsenic 0.0027–0.032 mg/L, iron 0.175–0.298 mg/L, zinc 0.161–0.417 mg/L, chromium 0.103– 0.241 mg/L, lead 0.0148–0.046 mg/L, and mercury 0.00343– 0.0123 mg/L. Comparison with WHO standards showed that most parameters were within permissible limits; however, temperature, nitrate, cadmium, arsenic, and lead exceeded limits during the rainy season, while cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury exceeded limits in the dry season. Correlation analysis indicated common anthropogenic sources, mainly acid mine drainage from the upstream Onyeama Coal Mine and leachate from nearby dumpsites. Water quality indices revealed significant pollution. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index classified the river as Grade E (WQI >100), indicating it is unsuitable for drinking without treatment. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index showed contamination in the dry season (HPI >100 at Stations B and C), while the Metal Index indicated severe contamination (Class VI, MI >1) across all seasons. Health risk assessment showed total hazard index values below the safety threshold (children: 0.204; adults: 1.3×10⁻⁴), with ingestion as the main exposure pathway and children more vulnerable. Overall, the river is polluted and unsafe for direct consumption, requiring urgent pollution control, monitoring, and public health interventions.

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, AMINO ACID PROFILE, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITIES OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM ETHYL ACETATE STEM BARK EXTRACT

2026-09-06T01:18:46+00:00

Ocimum gratissimum is a widely recognized medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. Its rich content of bioactive compounds has made it a staple in traditional medicine for managing infections, digestive disorders, and general wellness. This study investigates the nutritional composition, amino acid profile, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibitory activity, and phytochemical constituents of O. gratissimum stem extract, providing scientific insight into its medicinal relevance. The proximate composition revealed carbohydrate having the highest percentage abundance of 53.69%. This is followed by fiber (12.50%), protein (12.26%) and moisture content (7.40%), ash content (6.27%), while fats have the least composition which accounted for 4.92%. Amino acid profile revealed abundant essential and non-essential amino acids, notably Isoleucine (2.94 g/100g) and Alanine (2.26 g/100g). In vitro Total Antioxidant Capacity assay demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with ascorbic acid equivalent values increasing from 0.31 to 0.52 mg/ml, while the In vitro Nitric Oxide Scavenging Assay showed a progressive increase in the %NO Scavenging from 42.48% to 55.03% confirming significant radical scavenging ability. The extract also showed strong alpha amylase (64.29%) and alpha glucosidase (67.50%) inhibition. GCMS identified 35 bioactive compounds, with Erucic acid (with a peak area of 4.59%), D-carvone (5.78%), Oleic Acid (8.90%), Cyclopropane (17.01%) and 9 borabicyclo compounds (28.30%), having the most prominent peak areas. These results suggest the extracts potential in nutritional and therapeutic applications.

BIODEGRADATION OF DIESEL OIL BY INDIGENOUS BACTERIAL SPECIES ISOLATED FROM CONTAMINATED SOIL

2026-09-06T00:58:38+00:00

This study investigated the biodegradation potential of indigenous bacterial species isolated from diesel-contaminated soils. Soil samples were collected from hydrocarbon-polluted sites in Sokoto State, Nigeria, and analysed for hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria using enrichment culture techniques. Five bacterial species Rhodococcus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated and identified through morphological and biochemical characterization. These isolates were evaluated in a soil microcosm experiment. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis showed significant reduction and transformation of hydrocarbon functional groups including alkenyl (C=C) stretching and cycloalkane (C–C) vibrations, alongside the emergence of hydroxyl (O–H) and methylene (C–H) groups after 14 days of incubation, indicating active biodegradation. The mixed consortium showed the most pronounced spectral changes, followed by Rhodococcus sp. and Bacillus subtilis, while the control showed minimal changes. These findings indicate that biodegradation efficiency was highest in the consortium based on FTIR spectral transformations, highlighting the importance of synergistic microbial interactions in the bioremediation of diesel contaminated soils. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of indigenous bacteria in bioremediation and highlight the enhanced performance of microbial consortia.

ZFP36L1 AS A CENTRAL REGULATOR OF POST-TRANSCRIPTIONAL GENE EXPRESSION: IMPLICATIONS FOR IMMUNE REGULATION AND ANTIVIRAL DEFENCE- A REVIEW

2026-09-06T00:36:29+00:00

Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression is a critical determinant of cellular responses to environmental and physiological stimuli. Among the key regulators of mRNA stability are RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which modulate transcript turnover and translation. The ZFP36 family of RBPs, particularly ZFP36L1, plays a central role in AU-rich element (ARE)-mediated mRNA decay, thereby controlling the expression of genes involved in inflammation, cell proliferation, and stress responses. ZFP36L1 functions as a post-transcriptional repressor by binding to ARE-containing transcripts and recruiting the CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex, leading to mRNA degradation and translational repression. Its activity is dynamically regulated by signalling pathways, including the p38 MAPK–MK2 axis, enabling precise temporal control of gene expression. Emerging evidence indicates that ZFP36L1 regulates diverse RNA regulons, influencing both innate and adaptive immune responses. In addition, recent studies suggest a role for ZFP36L1 in antiviral defence through modulation of interferon-stimulated genes and direct interactions with viral RNA. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying ZFP36L1 function, its roles in immune regulation and antiviral responses, and recent advances in the field. Key challenges, including functional redundancy and context-dependent target selection, are discussed, along with future directions for therapeutic targeting of RNA stability pathways.

Improving Transition Probability Estimation in Binary Markov Chains Using Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling

2026-09-06T00:19:31+00:00

In order to estimate transition probabilities in binary Markov chains, this paper constructs hierarchical Bayesian and traditional Bayesian approaches. Although each chain is treated individually in classical Bayesian estimation, sparse transitions cause it to perform badly. To enable partial pooling across several chains, we create a hierarchical Bayesian model with Gamma hyperpriors on the Beta prior parameters. MCMC is used to derive posterior estimates using simulated data from 20 chains, which are then assessed using MSE, RMSE, and total variation distance. The findings demonstrate that hierarchical Bayesian estimates are significantly more stable and closer to the real transition probabilities, as evidenced by the reduction of MSE from 0.0232 to 0.0088 for and from 0.0276 to 0.0110 for . The hierarchical model consistently yields lower total variation distances. The hierarchical technique often yields more reliable and precise estimates of transition probabilities, especially when data are scarce per chain. Findings reveal that the hierarchical Bayesian Markov chain outperforms the classical Markov chain by yielding more stable transition probability estimates and better uncertainty quantification. This makes it especially suitable for complex or data-sparse systems.

Lithofacies characterization and foraminifera biostratigraphy of sediments penetrated by Well “P” within the interval of 285ft and 10440ft of the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

2026-09-05T19:38:25+00:00

Lithofacies characterization and foraminiferal biostratigraphic analyses were carried out on forty-four ditch cutting samples from the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta in order to determine the lithofacies zones, foraminifera biozonation, age and the depositional environment the sediments were formed. The lithofacies study identify four lithofacies types of sandstone, shaly sandstone, sandy shale and shale; and six-teen lithofacies zones of which four are homogenetic zones and twelve are heterogenetic zones. The foraminifera analysis was carried out on forty four (44) ditch cutting samples at different intervals between 7380ft to 10440ft allowed the recovery of one hundred and forty five (145) calcareous foraminifera, and ninety eight (98) agglutinated foraminifera. Two foraminifera zones of Lower N2-N3 and Upper N3-N4 were identified. The age of the sediments penetrated by the well using the age diagnostic markers range from Oligocene to Miocene epoch.

Application of Biosensors in Detection and Quantification Foodborne Pathogens and Food Products.

2026-09-05T19:24:44+00:00

would play a significant role in monitoring pathogens, thereby alleviating the outbreak of foodborne diseases, globally.

IMMUNOSTIMULATORY PROPERTIES OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Jathropha tanjorensis ON HAEMATOGICAL PROPERTIES OF WISTAR RATS

2026-09-05T15:58:05+00:00

Medicinal plants remain a vital source of therapeutic agents due to their bioactive compounds and minimal side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunostimulatory effects of the aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on hematological parameters in Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into four groups: one control and three treatment groups administered varying doses of the extract. Standard laboratory methods were employed for proximate, phytochemical, and mineral analyses, while hematological indices were assessed using an automated analyzer.

Results showed high carbohydrate content (77.733±0.314%), Protein (714.181±0.098%), Moisture (9.668±0.208%), Ash content (5.877±0.043%), Crude fat (1.753±0.133%) and crude fibre (0.125±0.003%). Qualitative result of the aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis showed the presence of saponins, phenols, eugenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and reducing sugar. Quantitative screening revealed alkaloids as (10.918±0,050), flavonoids (57.780±0.092), saponins (16.662±0.034), tannins (8.090±0.318), phenolics (1.429±0.014). The mineral content revealed elements like Mg (40.656±0.183), Ca (14.884±0.138), P (12.827±0.022), Na (12.818±0.141), K (16.337±0.293), N (11.930±7.000) and Fe (7.657±0.088) Hematological analysis demonstrated increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume in treated groups, indicating enhanced erythropoiesis. Medicinal plants like Jatropha tanjorensis possesses significant immunostimulatory and hematological benefits, supporting its traditional use as a medicinal plant.

MODULATORY EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF Dolomiaea costus ON TRAMADOL-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY AND BODY WEIGHT CHANGES IN WISTAR RATS

2026-09-05T15:41:08+00:00

Opioid analgesics, including tramadol, are commonly used to treat pain, but prolonged or escalating use is associated with hepatotoxicity. This study evaluated the potential protective effects of the methanolic root extract of Dolomiaea costus against tramadol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty four adult rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6): tramadol-only (escalating dose, 7.2–144 mg/kg over 20 days), tramadol + low-dose extract (500 mg/kg), tramadol + high-dose extract (1000 mg/kg), and control (distilled water). Hepatic tissues were obtained for histopathological examination using haematoxylin and eosin staining techniques, and measurements of body weight were recorded throughout the study period. Rats given tramadol alone showed evidence of centrilobular necrosis, sinusoidal dilatation, cytoplasmic vacuolation, hepatocellular degeneration, and moderate inflammatory infiltration. Co administration of D. costus extract substantially reduced these histological changes in a dose-dependent manner, with the high dose group exhibiting nearly normal hepatic tissue architecture. Despite hepatic changes, there were no statistically significant differences in body weight across groups (p > 0.05), suggesting minimal systemic metabolic impacts. These findings suggest that costus root extract exerts hepatoprotective effects against tramadol-induced hepatotoxicity, as supported by improved histological architecture and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.